An estimated 30,000 armed Fulani militants now operate across Nigeria, according to a May 2026 report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which described the groups as major drivers of deadly religious violence and insecurity.
USCIRF Raises Alarm Over Rising Violence
Furthermore, the report titled “Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants” said armed actors of Fulani ethnic background have intensified attacks across the Middle Belt and Southern parts of Nigeria.
The commission said the militants now rank among the deadliest non-state actors in the country. It added that the groups operate in cells ranging from 10 to 1,000 members.
Meanwhile, USCIRF said the violence caused more deaths among religious communities over the past year than attacks by organised insurgents and criminal gangs.
The report said many attacks targeted Christian communities. However, it noted that Muslim communities also suffered killings, kidnappings, and raids.
Militants Use Night Attacks to Spread Fear
Furthermore, the commission said the groups lack a central leadership structure. However, some groups reportedly work with bandits and extremist organisations.
The report stated that militants often attack isolated villages at night. It said they use motorcycles, automatic weapons, and machetes during operations.
Consequently, USCIRF said attackers often use fear to force residents from their communities and gain control of land.
The commission added that violence from Fulani militants and other armed groups displaced at least 1.3 million people across the Middle Belt. Many displaced residents now live in overcrowded camps with poor sanitation and limited security.
Benue, Plateau and Kaduna Record Deadly Attacks
Meanwhile, the report highlighted several deadly incidents in 2025 and early 2026.
USCIRF said an attack in Benue State in June 2025 killed at least 200 people, including internally displaced persons living in a Catholic mission.
Furthermore, the report pointed to the Yelwata attack in Benue, where more than 200 Christians, mostly women and children, reportedly died while over 3,000 people fled their homes.
The commission also said some attacks happened during Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas to create stronger psychological impact.
Consequently, USCIRF stated that suspected Fulani militants killed at least 32 people in Niger State in February 2026. Attackers also struck Holy Trinity Parish in Kaduna State, killing three people and abducting 11 others, including Father Nathaniel Asuwaye.
Security Response Faces Criticism
However, USCIRF criticised federal and state authorities over what it called weak responses to repeated attacks.
The commission said affected communities repeatedly accused security agencies of arriving late during attacks.
Furthermore, some Christian groups accused security agencies of favouring Muslim communities during investigations and security operations.
The report also noted that governors from 11 states launched ranching initiatives in June 2025 to reduce clashes over grazing routes and farmland.
FG Actions, Arrests and US Pressure
Meanwhile, USCIRF linked renewed government actions to the October 2025 decision by former US President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom concerns.
Consequently, the report stated that President Bola Tinubu classified kidnappers and violent armed groups, including Fulani militants, as terrorists in December 2025.
The commission added that security agencies rescued 309 hostages in January 2026 during operations in Kogi and Kwara states. The operations also led to the arrest of 129 suspected militants and the killing of 55 others.
Furthermore, USCIRF said the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria denied claims linking it to militant activities.
Despite security operations and peace efforts, the commission warned that violence remains widespread and may continue unless authorities create safer conditions for religious freedom.
External Links
• United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
• Federal Government of Nigeria
• Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN)
