United Nations human rights experts have expressed serious concern over the increasing dangers faced by Christian women and girls in northern Nigeria and the country's Middle Belt region.
In a formal communication sent to the Nigerian government, a group of UN special rapporteurs and human rights experts highlighted reports of abductions, sexual violence, forced religious conversions and forced marriages allegedly carried out by armed militant groups operating in the region.
The communication was issued by experts focusing on violence against women and girls, minority rights, unlawful killings, torture, and enforced disappearances. Nigerian authorities have been given 60 days to respond before the document is made public.
According to the experts, Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria continue to face a heightened risk of attacks linked to religious identity. Women and girls are said to be particularly vulnerable, with reports describing cases of kidnapping, abuse, forced marriage and pressure to abandon their Christian faith.
The warning also draws attention to conditions in camps housing internally displaced people, where Christian women and girls may face additional risks. Millions of Nigerians have been forced from their homes because of years of violence involving extremist organisations, armed militias and criminal groups.
Nigeria is home to one of the world's largest populations of internally displaced people. Ongoing insecurity has been fuelled by the activities of groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), armed Fulani militants and other violent factions.
The UN experts argued that Nigeria must do more to uphold international human rights commitments, including protecting freedom of religion and ensuring the safety of women and children. They also urged authorities to investigate reported abuses, hold perpetrators accountable and strengthen protections for vulnerable communities.
Giorgio Mazzoli, Director of UN Advocacy at ADF International, said Christian communities and other religious minorities have endured severe violence for many years.
He welcomed the intervention by the UN experts, describing it as an important step towards drawing international attention to the crisis and addressing factors that contribute to discrimination and insecurity.
ADF International noted that the communication follows several legal cases involving religious freedom concerns in Nigeria. Among them is the case of Rhoda Jatau, a Christian mother who was acquitted in late 2024 after spending 19 months in prison over allegations connected to a social media post that criticised the killing of a Christian student accused of blasphemy.
The legal advocacy organisation is also supporting the case of musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who has spent more than five years in detention following blasphemy-related accusations. His case remains before Nigeria's Supreme Court.
The UN concerns reflect findings from Christian advocacy organisation Open Doors, which has documented the experiences of persecuted Christians around the world. The ministry reports that Christian women and girls frequently face a combination of abuses, including forced marriage, sexual violence, abduction and psychological trauma.
Research cited by the organisation indicates that thousands of kidnappings have taken place across Nigeria in recent years, with many victims targeted because of their faith.
The challenges facing Christian women were also discussed during a recent gathering of Christian leaders in Seoul. Speakers at the event highlighted the difficulties faced by women who escape captivity and later return to their communities.
Irene Kibagendi of the Pan African Christian Women Alliance said some survivors encounter rejection when they return home, particularly if they come back with children born during captivity.
Church leaders were encouraged to provide compassionate support for survivors and their families. Emma van der Deijl, Chief Executive of Gender and Religious Freedom, said churches have an important role in helping victims rebuild their lives through acceptance, care and restoration.
Adapted from reporting by The Christian Post.
