A new report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has identified armed Fulani militant groups as major contributors to insecurity and religious violence across parts of Nigeria.
The report, released in May 2026, estimated that about 30,000 armed Fulani militants are operating in different groups across the country, with membership ranging from small bands to large armed networks.
According to the commission, the activities of the groups have intensified violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and some southern states, leading to deaths, displacement of communities, kidnappings, and destruction of property.
USCIRF noted that attacks linked to the militants accounted for a significant number of deaths recorded among religious communities in the country within the last year.
The report stated that although many attacks targeted Christian communities, Muslim communities had also suffered raids, killings, and abductions.
It added that while the groups do not operate under a central command structure, some were believed to collaborate with criminal gangs and extremist organisations.
The commission said the attackers often strike isolated communities at night using motorcycles, machetes, and automatic weapons, creating fear and forcing residents to flee their homes.
According to the report, at least 1.3 million people have been displaced in the Middle Belt due to attacks by armed groups, including Fulani militants.
The document highlighted several incidents recorded in 2025 and early 2026, including attacks in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Niger states.
Among the incidents cited was the killing of over 200 people in Benue State in June 2025, including displaced persons sheltering in a Catholic mission.
The report also referenced attacks carried out during Christian religious celebrations such as Easter and Christmas, saying some assaults appeared timed to maximise psychological impact on affected communities.
In February 2026, suspected militants reportedly attacked communities in Niger and Kaduna states, killing residents and abducting worshippers, including a Catholic priest.
The commission further documented cases where both churches and mosques were targeted by kidnappers demanding ransom payments.
USCIRF said differing views over the root causes of the violence had complicated efforts to address the crisis, with some attributing the attacks to competition over land and resources, while others viewed them as religiously motivated.
The report criticised the response of security agencies, alleging delays in responding to attacks and concerns over inadequate protection for affected communities.
It also noted that some state governments had initiated ranching programmes aimed at reducing clashes between farmers and herders.
The commission linked renewed attention to the crisis to the decision by former US President Donald Trump in October 2025 to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations.
According to the report, President Bola Tinubu later classified kidnappers and violent armed groups, including Fulani militants, as terrorists in December 2025.
USCIRF added that security operations in parts of Kogi and Kwara states in January 2026 led to the rescue of hundreds of hostages and the arrest of suspected militants.
The report also mentioned allegations against the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), although the group denied supporting violence or criminal activity.
Despite ongoing security operations and peace initiatives, the commission warned that insecurity remained widespread in parts of central Nigeria and called for stronger measures to protect religious freedom and improve public safety.
