An estimated 30,000 armed Fulani militants are currently operating across Nigeria in groups ranging from 10 to 1,000 members, according to a May 2026 report released by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

The report identified the armed groups as among the deadliest non-state actors responsible for religious freedom violations in the country, with attacks intensifying insecurity across Nigeria’s Middle Belt and Southern regions.

The report, titled Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants, stated that violence linked to armed actors of Fulani ethnic background had led to thousands of deaths, displacement of communities, and deepening tensions among religious groups.

“Violence by Fulani militants caused the highest number of deaths among all religious communities in Nigeria over the last year as compared to attacks by organised insurgent groups and criminal gangs,” the report stated.

According to USCIRF, while many attacks targeted Christian communities, Muslim communities had also experienced raids, killings, and kidnappings.

The commission noted that although the groups lack a central leadership structure, some reportedly collaborate with criminal gangs and extremist organisations.

“These actors operate in a variety of contexts and with a multiplicity of likely aims and motivations,” the report stated.

“While many Fulani militant groups wage independent attacks, others periodically coordinate with a wide range of actors, from conventional bandit gangs seeking financial enrichment to recognised terrorist organisations.”

USCIRF stated that the militants often attack isolated rural communities at night using motorcycles, automatic weapons, and machetes.

“They often wield machetes and descend on vulnerable communities during the night, eliciting terror as a way to force victims to quickly leave and achieve greater control of desired land,” the report added.

The report further revealed that violence by Fulani militants and other armed groups had displaced at least 1.3 million people across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, with many victims now living in overcrowded camps facing poor sanitation and inadequate security.

USCIRF cited multiple incidents in 2025 and early 2026, including attacks in Benue and Plateau states.

“One attack in Benue in June 2025 killed at least 200 people, including internally displaced persons living in a Catholic mission,” the report stated.

The commission also referenced attacks in Yelwata, Benue State, where over 200 Christians were reportedly killed and more than 3,000 displaced.

The report claimed some attacks were timed around Christian religious celebrations.

“Militant actors have often carried out operations during Christian holidays such as Christmas or Easter to further maximise the psychological impact,” it said.

USCIRF also criticised responses by authorities, alleging that security forces often arrive late during attacks.

“Victims have long reported that security forces are consistently slow to respond to attacks on their communities,” the commission noted.

Despite recent security operations and peace initiatives, the report warned that violence remains widespread.

“As a result, central Nigeria remains entrenched in an intense, daily, and seemingly perpetual crisis of insecurity,” the report concluded.

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No fewer than 27 persons have been killed in coordinated attacks across Kaduna State, Benue State, and Katsina State during Easter celebrations, with several others abducted and properties destroyed.

The attacks, which occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning, have heightened security concerns in affected communities, even as troops of the Nigerian Army rescued 31 abducted church worshippers in Kaduna.

Benue Records Highest Casualties

In Benue State, at least 17 persons were reportedly killed when suspected armed herdsmen attacked Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the community late Saturday night, shooting indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze, forcing residents to flee.

A resident, Terseer Akaaver, said many victims were still unaccounted for as locals continued search efforts.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as a threat to peace and security, and directed security agencies to track down the perpetrators.

Worshippers Killed, Abducted in Kaduna

In Kaduna State, terrorists attacked two churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, during Easter service.

The affected churches—First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church—came under heavy gunfire as worshippers gathered for prayers.

Local authorities confirmed that at least eight people were killed, while several others were abducted by the attackers.

A councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, said the assailants operated for an extended period, noting that poor telecommunications network delayed emergency response.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, confirmed the incident, stating that security agencies had launched investigations.

Katsina Communities Also Hit

In a separate incident, bandits launched attacks on communities in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing two persons, including a police officer.

Residents said the attackers burned a hospital, shops, and vehicles in Sayaya and Dankawari communities before advancing to Matazu town.

The attacks triggered panic among residents, who have called for urgent intervention by security agencies.

Troops Rescue 31 Abducted Worshippers

Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army successfully rescued 31 worshippers abducted during the Kaduna church attack.

According to a military statement, troops responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to abandon the victims.

The operation, supported by local community members, also led to the recovery of five bodies, while one rescued victim is receiving medical treatment.

The Army said additional troops have been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks and track fleeing terrorists.

Renewed Calls for Security Action

The coordinated attacks have intensified calls for stronger security measures across affected states.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information to curb further violence.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that operations are ongoing to neutralise threats and restore stability in affected communities.

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Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described the latest attack in Benue—where over 100 people reportedly lost their lives—as a grim reminder of the country’s worsening security challenges.

“The Senate and Nigerians are tired of mourning victims of senseless violence. We must move beyond condolences and take decisive steps to end this bloodshed,” Adaramodu said.

He emphasized that community-based security must be part of the solution, stressing the importance of local involvement in addressing insecurity. According to him, the National Assembly has already appropriated substantial resources to bolster the nation’s military and security agencies.

“We are not only saddened—we are disturbed. Security is local, and the involvement of traditional rulers, communities, and civil society is essential. The killings must stop,” he added.

In response to the Benue tragedy, the Senate announced plans to send a delegation to the state for a solidarity visit. More critically, Adaramodu revealed that the Senate is organizing a national security summit aimed at fostering collaboration among stakeholders including civil society groups, media, women, youth, and security agencies.

“This is not just a military issue. It’s a national concern that demands inclusive dialogue and immediate solutions,” he noted.

Beyond security concerns, Adaramodu highlighted the legislative achievements of the 10th Senate over the past two years. According to him, 844 bills were introduced, 96 passed, and 55 have been signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These include 26 executive bills, 205 establishment bills, and 548 amendment bills.

He said the performance underscores the Senate’s commitment to delivering governance through legislative action.

Despite the legislative progress, the Senate insists that peace and security must be restored for any development to be meaningful. “Enough is enough. We can’t continue moving from one mass burial to another,” Adaramodu said.

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The incident, which occurred late at night, sent shockwaves through the region, triggering a mass exodus of villagers—many of whom sought refuge in nearby bushes and farmlands.

Eyewitnesses described the attack as sudden and overwhelming. Mr. Mathias Tolum, a local farmer from the border area, said he and his family fled their home amid the deafening sound of gunfire.

“The gunshots were terrifying—it felt like a war zone. We couldn’t wait to find out what was happening; we just ran,” he recounted.

According to Tolum, many families in his village and nearby communities have since abandoned their homes, fearing a possible spread of the violence. “Our children, our women—everyone is on edge. We feel exposed, and many of us are beginning to question whether we are truly protected,” he said.

Residents are urging the authorities to strengthen security in the region and prevent further attacks, particularly in rural areas where vulnerable populations, including displaced persons, remain at risk.

Local officials have yet to confirm the total number of casualties, but humanitarian organizations working in the area are calling for immediate intervention to assist displaced families and to prevent further instability.

While investigations are ongoing, state security agencies have been deployed to the area to restore calm and reassure residents. Authorities have appealed for calm and cooperation from all communities, urging against the spread of unverified claims or inflammatory narratives that could escalate tensions.

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