Religious freedom conditions in Nigeria are particularly severe as the government continues to tolerate, inadequately respond, or fail to hold FoRB violators accountable. Multiple nonstate actors regularly kill, kidnap, and attack Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists. Schools, missions, and houses of worship are targets for Entities of Particular Concern and other non-state actors. Twelve northern states enforce blasphemy laws against atheists and others.  

Source: Catholic faithfuls, led by bishops, march during a protest over unending killings of Nigerians in Abuja, RUETERS / Sotunde

RELIGIOUS PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

Yahaya Sharif-Aminu is a little-known Islamic gospel musician from Kano State, northern Nigeria. He belongs to the Tijaniyya order, a popular Sufi Islamic order across North and West Africa. Within the Tijaniyya, he belongs to what is… Read More >

RELIGIOUS PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

Leah Sharibu

On February 19, 2018, ISWAP attacked the Government Girls Science and Technical School in Dapchi, Yobe State, Nigeria. ISWAP abducted 110 girls, five of whom were reported killed in the abduction. In March, ISWAP returned 104 girls to… Read More >

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Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants

Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Beyond the CPC Designation

Congress Should Ban Lobbying by CPC Countries that Violate FoRB

More Than the CPC Designation is Needed as Violations on Religious Freedom in Nigeria Escalate

National Review: Nigerian Girls Are Being Kidnapped

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Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants

Congress Should Ban Lobbying by CPC Countries that Violate FoRB

More Than the CPC Designation is Needed as Violations on Religious Freedom in Nigeria Escalate

Naming of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is an Important Step to Advance Religious Freedom

Promoting Religious Freedom is a Vital Atrocity Prevention Tool

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National Review: Nigerian Girls Are Being Kidnapped

Religion News Service: Repression of women points to worsening religious freedom trends abroad

The Hill: U.S.-Nigeria policy must prioritize religious freedom

The Hill: A glimmer of hope in bringing accountability to religious freedom violators abroad

USA Today: This Easter, don't forget about persecuted Christians around the world

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Remarks by USCIRF Chair Katrina Lantos Swett, 2013 Annual Report, National Endowment for Democracy

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Breaking Down the State Department’s IRF Designations

Religious Freedom Takeaways on the Ground in Nigeria

USCIRF Releases 2022 Annual Report with Recommendations for U.S. Policy

Persecuted Christians Around the World

Worrying Trends for Religious Freedom in Central and Eastern Africa

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Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants

Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Sahelian Countries of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Chad

Preventing Mass Atrocities Targeting Religious Communities

Nigeria Country Update

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