UN Rights Envoy Flags Deepening Crisis in Nigeria Amid CPC Controversy, U.S. Security Cooperation, and Allegations of Religious Persecution

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Nazila Ghanea, has warned that worsening insecurity in Nigeria is intensifying fears of religious polarisation, human rights violations, and weakening public trust in state protection.

Her remarks followed an 11-day assessment mission across parts of the country, including engagements in Abuja, where she met government officials, security agencies, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and victims of violence.

Rising insecurity and claims of systemic breakdown

Ghanea said testimonies from affected communities were dominated by accounts of terrorist attacks, banditry, kidnappings, mass displacement and repeated destruction of rural settlements. Many victims, she noted, described prolonged suffering with little or no access to justice or effective protection.

She further reported that some communities have been forced into informal arrangements with armed groups, including surrendering farmland or accepting coercive “peace deals” to avoid further attacks.

Religious freedom concerns and governance issues

The UN envoy also raised concern about what she described as growing religious profiling in governance, citing reports that religion is still required on some administrative forms in education, employment and public services—practices she warned could deepen divisions.

She added that Nigeria’s plural legal system, including the application of blasphemy provisions and hate speech laws in some states, continues to generate legal and constitutional debate over compatibility with the country’s secular constitutional framework.

U.S. designation debate and political pressure

Her intervention comes amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s human rights and religious freedom record.

Nigeria was previously designated a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” by the United States government under the Donald Trump administration in 2020, a classification reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom. The designation was widely debated in diplomatic circles and later removed under the Biden administration, though it continues to shape international scrutiny of Nigeria’s internal security and religious conflict dynamics.

Allegations of genocide and foreign commentary

The issue has also drawn attention from some United States lawmakers and advocacy groups, who have at various times raised concerns about alleged targeted killings of Christians in parts of Nigeria, describing the situation as potentially amounting to genocide.

However, these claims remain highly contested, with Nigerian authorities and several analysts arguing that the violence is driven more by complex factors—including terrorism, criminal banditry, land disputes, and communal conflicts—rather than exclusively religious targeting.

Security cooperation with the United States

In parallel, Nigeria has strengthened counterterrorism cooperation with the United States, including intelligence sharing, military training support, and joint efforts aimed at dismantling extremist networks and armed groups operating across the country’s northern and central regions.

This collaboration has been presented by both governments as part of broader efforts to contain insurgent threats and improve regional stability in West Africa.

Mixed perceptions and unresolved tensions

Ghanea noted that while there is no consensus on whether violence in Nigeria is primarily religious in nature, the persistence of attacks and lack of accountability have deepened perceptions of persecution among affected communities.

She warned that this growing mistrust is increasingly shaping how citizens view both federal and state authorities.

Civil society resilience

Despite her concerns, the UN envoy commended Nigeria’s civil society networks, interfaith initiatives, and grassroots peacebuilding efforts, describing them as evidence of the country’s internal capacity to manage diversity and strengthen coexistence.

She is expected to submit a comprehensive report on her findings to the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2027.

UN Rights Envoy Flags Deepening Crisis in Nigeria Amid CPC Controversy, U.S. Security Cooperation, and Allegations of Religious Persecution

NEDC Raises Alarm over Identity Theft, Threatens Legal Action against Fraudulent Platforms

…Warns public against dealing with fake websites, social media accounts

By: Michael Mike

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has sounded the alarm over what it described as a disturbing rise in the unauthorized use of its name, logo and official identity by individuals and organisations seeking to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians, warning that perpetrators face criminal prosecution and stiff sanctions under extant laws.

In a public disclaimer issued at the weekend, the commission said it had uncovered multiple instances of entities operating websites, social media accounts and publications while falsely presenting themselves as affiliated with the intervention agency established to spearhead the reconstruction and development of the insurgency-ravaged North-east.

The commission described the activities as a calculated attempt to exploit its growing profile and public trust, stressing that any use of its name, branding, insignia or institutional identity without prior written authorisation is illegal and constitutes impersonation.

“The use of the Commission’s branding, insignia or identity without prior written approval is strictly prohibited. Any website, social media account or publication utilising the Commission’s official marks without authorisation is fraudulent and unauthorised,” the statement said.

The warning comes against the backdrop of increasing cases of digital impersonation and identity theft targeting government institutions and public agencies, with fraudsters often exploiting official identities to solicit funds, offer fictitious contracts or lure unsuspecting citizens into fraudulent transactions.

The NEDC said such actions violate several provisions of Nigerian law, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, which prescribes sanctions for unlawful processing and misleading representation involving institutional identities.

It also cited the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalises identity theft, impersonation and electronic fraud, and the Trade Marks Act, Cap T13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which protects registered logos, names and insignia from unauthorised use.

According to the commission, individuals or organisations found culpable would be subjected to immediate legal action, including civil litigation for damages, criminal prosecution, regulatory sanctions and enforcement measures aimed at dismantling fake online platforms.

The commission stressed that it would not accept responsibility for any transactions, representations or losses arising from dealings with unauthorised persons or entities falsely claiming to represent it.

It therefore urged members of the public to exercise utmost caution and verify all information concerning the commission through its official communication channels.

“Members of the public are advised to refrain from engaging with unauthorised platforms or individuals claiming affiliation with the Commission and to report suspicious accounts or activities to the appropriate authorities or the Commission,” it stated.

The warning is particularly significant given the strategic role of the NEDC in managing billions of naira in intervention funds and coordinating reconstruction efforts across the six states of the North-east devastated by over a decade of insurgency.

Established by an Act of the National Assembly, the commission is responsible for assessing, coordinating and implementing programmes and projects aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods and promoting economic recovery in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.

Analysts say the misuse of the identity of public institutions not only exposes citizens to fraud but also threatens public confidence in government agencies and undermines efforts to deliver critical interventions to vulnerable populations.

With the latest warning, the NEDC has signalled its readiness to deploy both legal and regulatory mechanisms to protect its institutional identity and safeguard members of the public from fraudulent schemes perpetrated in its name.

NEDC Raises Alarm over Identity Theft, Threatens Legal Action against Fraudulent Platforms

Troops Destroy Terrorist Camps in Sambisa Forest Operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with hybrid forces and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have destroyed terrorist camps during an offensive operation in Sambisa Forest, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 8:26 a.m. on June 19 by troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison.

According to the sources, the joint security team conducted the offensive operation within the Sambisa Forest axis, targeting known terrorist hideouts in the area.

During the operation, troops made contact with suspected ISWAP terrorists at Disa and Balangaje villages. However, the insurgents reportedly fled upon sighting the advancing troops.

Following the encounter, the troops destroyed terrorist camps as well as logistical support structures believed to be used by the insurgents for shelter and coordination of activities.

Military authorities said the operation was part of sustained efforts to deny terrorist groups freedom of action and dismantle their infrastructure within the Sambisa Forest axis.

No casualty was recorded among troops during the operation, while clearance operations in the general area are ongoing.

Troops Destroy Terrorist Camps in Sambisa Forest Operation