Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants

Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants

Washington, DC - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Nigeria:  

Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants - In recent years, armed actors from a Fulani ethnic background have perpetrated some of the most notorious, visible, and deadly attacks on religious communities in Nigeria-often but not exclusively against Christians. This publication examines these militants' contributions to deteriorating religious freedom conditions in Nigeria by explaining the dynamics of Fulani-led militant violence as well as the Nigerian government's responses to it.

In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF highlighted religious freedom violations by nonstate actors in Nigeria, including Fulani militants, and maintains its recommendation for that country's ongoing designation as a CPC amid persistent violence against religious communities and other related challenges.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].