The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has cumulatively received a total of 256,132 complaints on human rights violations within the months of January to March, 2026.
While January recorded a total of 180,341 complaints, with violations relating to freedom from discrimination emerging as the most prevalent, February witnessed significant complaints increases to 223,144, with issues relating to law enforcement and the protection of human dignity ranking highest.
The first quarter ended in March with further increases to 256,132 and freedom from discrimination topping the chart.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, revealed these figures during the presentation of the First Quarter 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard.
He observed that the upward trajectory across the quarter is both notable and concerning, reflecting both persistent violations and improve reporting mechanisms.
According to Ojukwu, “The data emerging from the first quarter of 2026 provides an early reflection of these projections. The persistence of discrimination-related complaints, the rise in cases linked to law enforcement and human dignity, and the continued prevalence of insecurity-related killings and abductions all point to the urgency of translating policy commitments into concrete action.
“This reinforces the importance of the Commission’s strategic priorities for 2026, particularly in the areas of prevention, protection, accountability, and institutional strengthening.
Giving the monthly breakdown, he said that in January 2026, the Commission recorded a total of 180,341 complaints, with violations relating to freedom from discrimination emerging as the most prevalent.
“This underscores persistent structural inequalities and highlights the need for stronger safeguards against discriminatory practices in both public and private spheres”, he added
In February 2026, he noted that complaints rose significantly to 223,144, with issues relating to law enforcement and the protection of human dignity ranking highest.
He observed that “This trend calls for renewed emphasis on accountability, professionalism, and human rights compliance within law enforcement institutions.
Also in March 2026, said the number of complaints further increased to 256,132, once again with freedom from discrimination topping the chart.
“The upward trajectory across the quarter is both notable and concerning, reflecting both persistent violation and improved reporting mechanisms”, he asserted.
Ojukwu lamented that: ” The first quarter of 2026 reflects a complex and evolving human rights environment, shaped by insecurity, socio-economic pressures, and institutional challenges.
”Across the North-East, incidents linked to insurgency continue to impact civilian populations, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and restricted access to essential services.
“In the North-West, patterns of banditry and kidnappings persist, posing serious threats to the right to life, liberty, and security. In the NorthCentral region, communal and resource-based conflicts remain a major concern.
“The recent Palm Sunday attack in Jos and reported incidents in Nasarawa State are indicative of deeper, unresolved tensions that continue to result in loss of life and community displacement.
“Additionally, the Commission has observed recurring issues relating to gnder-based violence, mob actions, and alleged abuses by law enforcement, as well as increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities affecting access to food, housing, and livelihoods.
“These trends underscore the urgent need for coordinated, preventive, and rights-based responses, as well as strengthened accountability mechanisms across all levels of governance.”
