In Nigeria, more Christians have been killed for their faith than anywhere else in the world. According to Open Doors’ World Watch List 2026, Nigeria accounted for 3,490 of the 4,849 religious-motivated killings worldwide.
Whilst jihadist attacks affect Muslims, Christians, and those of no faith alike, evidence shows Christians are specifically targeted in many cases. Such attacks lead to mass destruction of churches and communities, and to loss of life.
The number of killings recorded in the past year demonstrates how far the situation has deteriorated. Addressing this crisis requires preventive rather than curative solutions: strengthening coordination between local leaders and security agencies, improving security, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes.
In many parts of Nigeria, especially in the North-West and North-Central regions, living in fear has become a daily reality. Families live on the edge of anxiety, worrying that their community or church could be the next target of attack. When security disappears from a system, and attackers rarely face any form of prosecution, citizens lose trust in authorities and systems meant to protect them.
These continued attacks are wearing down families and communities. People are learning to live with danger as part of everyday life, and this is changing how they go about even the simplest things—attending church, gathering with neighbours, sending children to school.
Ignored signals
Many communities sense danger before attacks happen through unusual movements, happenings, or warnings. These signals are often ignored. Strengthening coordination between local leaders and security agencies is key.
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Local leaders can be trained to recognise threats and report them. Communities can establish structured early-warning systems in which trained focal persons relay credible warnings by phone or SMS to designated security contacts.
Training and clear guidelines must be provided to these focal persons to determine what qualifies as a credible warning, and to alert nearby patrol or rapid-response units to trigger immediate action to prevent imminent violence.
Security forces should also respond promptly to reduce harm. Other countries have successfully used similar approaches. In parts of Northern Europe, community alert systems and liaison officers have helped prevent attacks by enabling faster responses.
This approach empowers people and builds trust in the state. Acting before attacks happen reduces deaths and injuries and gives communities hope that their lives and faith are taken seriously.
Visible security
Visible and reliable security is essential in communities prone to targeted attacks. Inconsistent patrols leave residents vulnerable. The attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, and more recently the attacks on the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, show how exposed people can be even during worship and in their own homes.
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Regular security patrols and presence in high-risk areas can prevent attacks and reassure communities. Practical steps include assigning permanent security units to vulnerable communities.
Security agencies should work with local leaders to improve planning and deployment. Other countries have seen positive results with similar measures. In Kenya, a visible security presence has reduced the frequency and severity of attacks.
Regular security presence reassures people and gives communities the space to recover and thrive despite past attacks. Preventive measures are more effective than responding only after the fact.
In Nigeria, attacks on churches and communities go uninvestigated, and perpetrators go without consequence. Without accountability, attackers are emboldened to continue their rampage. The problem here is not a lack of evidence. Videos and eyewitness accounts of attacks circulate widely, yet prosecutions remain rare. This indicates that the barrier is not evidence but political will.
It is important to establish clear processes for investigating attacks and prosecuting offenders to deter future attacks. This should include the creation of specialised law enforcement units to protect victims and witnesses in cases of religious attacks. Even small but consistent enforcement shows that attacks have consequences and effectively prevents future attacks.
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Evidence from other countries supports this. For example, in Latin America, prosecuting organised community attacks has lowered repeat offences and signalled that violence will not be tolerated. For Nigerian communities, visible enforcement rebuilds trust and deters future attacks. It also affirms that all lives and faiths are valued equally.
Protecting human life through law enforcement helps current victims and prevents future generations from suffering. It signals that attacks have consequences.
International support
The Nigerian government, civil society organisations, and the private sector may also collaborate with the international community to strengthen accountability for religiously motivated attacks.
In November 2025, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, and Senator Ted Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act.
Nigeria can leverage these developments to push for technical support and resources that strengthen domestic prosecution of perpetrators. Protecting Nigerian lives is Nigeria’s responsibility, but engaging international partners can help fulfil that responsibility.
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Nigerians have become numb to violence as repeated attacks have made fear feel normalised. But the country cannot continue as if it has fallen into anarchy. Government agencies must act effectively to protect the lives of their citizens. Nigerians deserve to live without fear.
Strengthening security and improving rapid response can break these cycles of violence and allow people to live in a safe and stable society. The solutions are known. What is required now is the political will to implement them.
Adenike Baderin is a writing fellow at African Liberty, a U.S.-based think tank focused on advancing individual freedom, peace, and prosperity in Africa. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.
