Persecuted Christians in Nigeria: A grim outlook for 2025

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is facing an alarming crisis of religious persecution, with Christians being the main target. In the northern regions and the country’s so-called “Middle Waist”, attacks by extremist groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Fulani herdsmen militias have left a devastating trail of violence, mass displacement and loss of human life.

In 2024, the figures reflect a worrying escalation: thousands of Christians have been killed and many more have been forced to leave their homes. Churches are constantly targeted for attacks, looting and arson, while kidnappings of religious leaders and worshippers have become a daily phenomenon. Government authorities, both local and national, have been widely criticized for their inaction and lack of effective response to this crisis.

Human rights experts anticipate that the situation in 2025 will not improve significantly. Analysts say factors such as growing insecurity, the expansion of extremist groups and ethno-religious tensions will continue to fuel persecution. Moreover, recent elections and political instability are exacerbating the problem, as successive governments have failed to prioritize security and human rights in the affected regions.

The international community has issued urgent calls for greater humanitarian intervention and diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government. However, responses have been limited, leaving millions of Christians in a situation of extreme vulnerability.

Meanwhile, religious and human rights organizations around the world continue to call for justice and support, urging that the suffering of those who maintain their faith despite persecution not be forgotten. The outlook for 2025 looks bleak, with little hope for immediate change.