‘1,402 Nigerians killed, abducted in 96 days’ – Intersociety

A civil society organisation, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has raised fresh alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, claiming that at least 1,402 persons have been killed or abducted by terrorists within the first 96 days of 2026.

 

In its latest report, the group said 450 people were killed, while over 600 others were abducted between January and April 6, highlighting what it described as a deepening wave of violence across the country.

 

Chairman of Intersociety, Emeka Umeagbalasi, in a statement, alleged that attacks on Christian communities have intensified, accusing authorities of failing to address the situation.

 

“The massacre of Christians and persecution of churches… has continued to widen and escalate,” he said.

 

Umeagbalasi further alleged that efforts by the Federal Government to downplay the situation internationally have not reflected realities on ground.

 

“Despite… international lobbying to deny… ‘Nigerian Christian Genocide’… the menace has continued,” he claimed.

 

Providing a breakdown, the group said over 100 deaths were recorded during the Holy Week period alone, with additional fatalities on Easter Sunday.

 

It also linked some deaths to victims who allegedly died in captivity after being abducted, citing torture, starvation and untreated injuries.

 

However, the claims—particularly those relating to targeted religious violence and casualty figures—have not been independently verified by official security agencies.

 

The report comes amid heightened insecurity in parts of the country, especially in Plateau and the North-East, where recent attacks have triggered fresh concerns over the effectiveness of current security strategies.

 

Security agencies have yet to respond to the latest figures released by the group.