By Joel Gwom,
Abuja | September 14, 2026*
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it received 297,943 complaints of human rights violations across Nigeria in August 2026, as insecurity, sexual violence, and hate speech dominated the human rights landscape.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday at the presentation of the Commission’s August 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard.
Dr. Ojukwu said the figure was compiled through the NHRC’s Human Rights Observatory and reflects both persistent challenges and some positive outcomes recorded during the month.
Insecurity and Rescue Operations
According to him, insecurity continued to dominate in August, with Benue and Niger States witnessing renewed attacks on rural communities despite ongoing security operations.
He reiterated the Commission’s call for a thorough, transparent investigation into the killings and for perpetrators to be brought to justice without delay.
He however commended security agencies for some successes recorded during the month.
“We welcomed the news that 308 Nigerians abducted across Niger and Kwara States were rescued in a single, coordinated, intelligence-led security operation on the 5th of August,” Ojukwu said.
He also cited the release of 15 NYSC corps members abducted in Kogi State after passing out of the Bayelsa State Orientation Camp, and other releases secured in Benue State.
The NHRC boss said the outcomes show what can be achieved when intelligence, political will and inter-agency coordination come together, but stressed that rescue must be followed by medical, psychosocial and family reunification support for survivors.
Concern Over Sexual Violence and Child Molestation
The Commission also expressed concern over a rise in gender-based violations during the month.
The dashboard, Dr. Ojukwu noted, captured complaints of sexual violence, including cases involving children and minors, as well as technology-facilitated abuse such as online harassment, cyberbullying and blackmail.
He described the trend as disturbing, calling for urgent measures to protect survivors and ensure access to justice and rehabilitation.
Hate Speech and 2027 Elections
Dr. Ojukwu condemned what he described as increasing hate speech and political violence by political and religious actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He specifically condemned the hateful and divisive speech by Sheikh Sani Jingir and incitement to violence by Senator Francis Fadahunsi, calling for their investigation and prosecution.
“As we begin the campaigns for the 2027 General Elections, the NHRC will remain vigilant to ensure that political actors play by the rules,” he said, adding that electoral participation is linked to the rights to freedom of association, assembly, expression, movement, life and dignity.
Foreign Aid Bill
On the Foreign Aid Bill currently before the National Assembly, the NHRC said it recognises the legitimate interest in transparency but shares concerns raised by civil society organisations, the media and development partners about its implications for civic space.
The Commission urged the National Assembly to engage constructively with concerns relating to freedom of association, freedom of expression and the independence of civil society organisations.
“The Commission will continue to monitor the legislative process from a human rights perspective and, where necessary, make appropriate interventions within its mandate,” Ojukwu said.
He added that the mandate of the Commission is as much about prevention as it is about redress, noting that the dashboard enables early identification of risks and evidence-based action.
Dr. Ojukwu thanked development partners, civil society organisations and the media for their continued support.
