Intersociety: Bandits, Boko Haram, others kill over 190,000 Nigerians in 17 years

A human rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has reported that at least 190,150 Nigerians have been killed by bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and suspected armed herdsmen between July 2009 and March 19, 2026.

The group’s report states that of those killed, 128,750 were Christians, while 61,400 were moderate Muslims.

Chairman Emeka Umeagbalasi said the figures were based on documented killings, abductions, and related atrocities nationwide.

According to the report, at least 131,100 people—81,100 Christians and 50,000 moderate Muslims—were abducted during the period, with 30,000 victims killed in captivity between 2009 and 2014.

Notably, 3,000 Igbo Christians living in Northern Nigeria were specifically targeted in the early years of the insurgency.

From 2015 to 2025, about 50,000 Christians were abducted, with 20,000 released after ransom payments and 2,500 reportedly sent to foreign extremist camps.

Other statistics include 6,000 escapees, 3,500 forced to convert to radical ideologies, 5,000 killed in captivity, 3,000 rescued through security interventions, and 10,000 still in captivity.

“In 2025 alone, an estimated 7,500 Christians were killed and 8,500 abducted across the country,” Umeagbalasi said.

He added that in the first 78 days of 2026, 1,050 Christians and 550 moderate Muslims were killed, while 1,690 Christians and 650 Muslims were abducted.

The report highlighted a surge in attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, where returning refugees suffered between 250–300 deaths and 400 abductions.

Other affected states include Benue, Adamawa, Plateau, and Kaduna. Victims also included clergy, such as a Catholic priest and Rev. Joshua Aliya of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ.

Intersociety called for urgent action to tackle persistent insecurity and protect vulnerable communities across Nigeria.