The [National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)](https://www.nigerianhumanrights.gov.ng) announced on Wednesday that it received 338,810 complaints of rights violations in September, marking a 14 % increase over August and signalling heightened concern across Nigeria, especially in the North‑Central region. The surge underscores growing public awareness and puts additional pressure on authorities to investigate and remedy alleged abuses.
The commission’s human‑rights dashboard showed an increase of 40,867 complaints compared with the 297,943 recorded in August. The majority of petitions were filed from the North‑Central geopolitical zone, with Benue, Plateau and Niger states contributing the highest numbers. According to the Executive Secretary, [Dr. Tony Ojukwu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Ojukwu), SAN, the rise may reflect both greater public awareness and the heavy responsibility placed on the NHRC and other duty‑bearers to respond effectively. He remarked, "This figure is significant and calls for sustained attention. While an increase in complaints may reflect greater public awareness of human rights and improved access to the Commission’s services, it equally underscores the enormous responsibility placed upon the Commission and other duty‑bearers to respond effectively to allegations of violations."
Beyond the sheer volume of complaints, the commission stressed the need to improve the quality of investigations, secure appropriate remedies for victims, and implement preventive measures to curb recurring abuses.
The human‑rights landscape in Nigeria during September 2026 continued to present serious challenges, particularly concerning the right to life, personal liberty, human dignity, security of persons and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Insecurity remained a major concern, with reports of killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities across various parts of the country. Of particular alarm were the ongoing mass abductions in Niger State, where families expressed deep anguish over the prolonged captivity of their loved ones. The NHRC reiterated that safeguarding life and property is a fundamental state obligation and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect affected communities, rescue abducted persons and bring perpetrators to justice.
The commission also highlighted the persistent vulnerability of women and children to sexual and gender‑based violence, exploitation, abuse and other forms of discrimination. It urged the adoption of stronger preventive mechanisms, survivor‑centred responses, effective investigations and improved access to justice.
In this regard, the NHRC welcomed the national stakeholders’ engagement held in September on the review of the [Child Rights Act, 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_Rights_Act_(Nigeria)). The review presents an important opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s child‑protection framework and address gaps in preventing violence, exploitation and abuse against children. The commission called on relevant authorities to translate these reform efforts into stronger institutions, adequate resources and practical protection for children, especially those in vulnerable and underserved communities.
The NHRC affirmed its commitment to enhancing monitoring and reporting mechanisms, strengthening investigations and complaint resolution, and ensuring that its findings inform policy and institutional reforms. Its objective is not merely to document violations after they occur, but to contribute to a system where violations are prevented, victims obtain justice and public institutions are held accountable. The commission also appealed for increased funding to support these activities.
Mr. Hillary Ogbonna, Special Human Rights Adviser to the commission, provided a breakdown of some of the September cases, noting a total of 208 killings by non‑state actors and 210 kidnappings recorded during the month. He added that the NHRC visited 113 detention centres across the federation and issued 56 summons to police over alleged human‑rights abuses.