A recent report released by the International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law, commonly known as Intersociety, indicates that more than 3,550 individuals have been killed across Nigeria due to jihadist activities within the first half of 2026. The findings specify that these casualties include 2,550 Christians and 1,050 Muslims.
Beyond the fatalities, the group documented the abduction of 2,800 Christians and 1,150 Muslims during the same six-month window. The document was authored by several key organization officials, including Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam, Obianuju Joy Igboeli, and Chinwe Umeche.
The study alleges that jihadist factions destroyed 300 churches, murdered 10 pastors, kidnapped another 10, and forcibly converted 800 Christian women and children. The authors criticized the Nigerian government for its failure to utilize domestic laws to address these crimes, suggesting that the state’s inability or unwillingness to act constitutes grounds for international intervention.
Regarding the Christian death toll, the report estimates that 14 people were killed daily between January and June. Plateau and Southern Borno states experienced the highest concentrations of violence. Notable victims mentioned include Elder Musa Usman, who was abducted and killed after being singled out by Boko Haram, and Reverend Marcus Nyam, who was killed alongside 29 others in Plateau State. The report also highlights that approximately 850 Muslim civilians were targeted and killed during this period, primarily by groups linked to Fulani ethnic militants.
