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Jihadist violence continues to escalate in Nigeria, and Christians are particularly at risk from targeted attacks by Islamist militants, including Fulani fighters, Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province). These increased under the rule of former president Muhammadu Buhari, putting Nigeria at the epicentre of targeted violence against the church. The government’s failure to protect Christians and punish perpetrators has only strengthened the militants’ influence.
While Christians used to be vulnerable only in the Muslim-majority northern states, this violence continues to spread into the Middle Belt and even further south. The attacks are shockingly brutal. Many believers are killed, particularly men, while women are often kidnapped and targeted for sexual violence. More believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world. These militants also destroy homes, churches and livelihoods. More than 16.2 million Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, including high numbers from Nigeria, have been driven from their homes by violence and conflict. Millions now live in displacement camps.
Christians living in northern Nigerian states under Sharia (Islamic law) can also face discrimination and oppression as second-class citizens. Converts from Islam often experience rejection from their own families and pressure to renounce their new faith. They often have to flee their homes for fear of being killed.
In 2023, Bola Tinubu was elected as the new president of Nigeria. Although both he and his predecessor are Muslim, the new president has carried out a major reshuffle. This has provided a better representative balance of the two faiths in leadership positions than under President Buhari. It was hoped this would lead to acknowledging the human rights violations against Christians, and to more effective intervention by security forces to protect Christians. However, this did not happen to a tangible extent during the World Watch List 2025 reporting period.
The persecution of believers is most common in the northern, Muslim-majority states, where Christian communities in rural areas are particularly vulnerable to violent attacks. However, attacks are increasingly spreading southward, to where the majority of Nigeria’s Christians live.
We will worship God because He has preserved our lives… I still have God and He is still on the throne. He will surely deliver me.
Abraham, displaced Christian in Nigeria
Unfortunately, very little has changed this year. Christians living in northern Nigeria endure violence and danger for their faith.
Open Doors works through local church partners in Nigeria to strengthen Christians with discipleship and persecution survival training, trauma care, relief aid and economic empowerment projects.
Heavenly Father, we cry out to You for our persecuted sisters and brothers in Nigeria. Comfort and heal all who have been attacked, traumatised or bereaved, and fill them with hope. We pray especially for women and girls who have been abducted and assaulted – set them free and restore them to their families. Help the new president to work together with the authorities to bring an end to terrorism in the country. Build Your good Kingdom in Nigeria through Your church and give believers courage to keep proclaiming the good news of Jesus, Amen.
