The National Human Rights Commission has documented no fewer than 3,012 incidents of kidnapping and 3,584 killings in Nigeria between January 2024 and April 2025.
According to the NHRC dashboard, Kaduna, Benue, Katsina, Plateau, and Borno states were the top five states with the highest number of killings.
In June 2024, mob action and jungle justice became issues of focus for the commission which recorded cases that included a mob killing over blasphemy in Bauchi, a killing over infidelity in Ondo, and the stabbing of a wife’s lover in Ogun.
The NHRC also reported a rise in extrajudicial killings, citing incidents such as police killings in Yauri, Kebbi State, and military killings in Ilorin, Abuja (FCT), and Jos.
Furthermore, the commission documented four bandit or terrorist attacks across Katsina State, which resulted in 87 killings and 56 abductions.
Between July and August 2024, the NHRC highlighted freedom of association, peaceful assembly, flooding, and displacement as key issues. During this period, killings of protesters, indiscriminate arrests, prolonged detention, and the state’s capacity to protect lives and property were identified as areas of concern.
In September 2024, a total of 141 killings and 191 deaths from road accidents were recorded. Notable incidents included the killing of three individuals accused of witchcraft in Adamawa, the torture of a 12-year-old in Akwa Ibom, and the stabbing of a woman in Kano.
In Lagos, a man was killed for stealing wire, while in Ondo, another was killed over debt. Communal violence claimed three lives in Anambra. Meanwhile, eight cult-related killings were reported in Imo, and attacks in Southern Kaduna led to over 80 deaths. An alleged motorcycle thief was burned alive in Abuja (FCT).
In October 2024, killings in Anambra, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara were highlighted. Mass abductions and killings were recorded in Zamfara, while 20 cult-related killings occurred in Anambra.
The military bombed civilians in Sokoto State, and a soldier fatally stabbed a tricycle operator in Jos.
From January to March 2025, the NHRC reported mass casualties from tanker explosions, abductions, and killings across the North-West and North-Central regions, the resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe States, and heightened terror activity by the Lakawura sect.
In March 2025 alone, 570 killings and 278 abductions were recorded—an increase of 160% and 240%, respectively.