Nigeria Country Update

This report provides an update on freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria. Twelve state governments and the federal government enforce blasphemy laws, prosecuting and imprisoning individuals perceived to have insulted religion. There are currently four Muslims incarcerated under blasphemy laws including two religious leaders. Despite efforts to reduce violence by nonstate actors, the government is often unable to prevent or slow to react to violent attacks by Fulani herders, bandit gangs, and insurgent entities such as JAS/Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).