A new report by the International Institute for Religious Freedom and the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa has identified Fulani militia groups as the leading perpetrators of civilian killings in Nigeria over the past six years, surpassing the combined death toll attributed to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The report, submitted to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, examined violent incidents recorded between October 2019 and September 2025 and found that more Christians than Muslims were killed during the period.

According to the findings, 42,033 civilians lost their lives in attacks across Nigeria, including 22,835 Christians and 10,519 Muslims. Researchers stated that Christians were disproportionately affected when adjusted for population distribution in the affected states.

The study attributed 44 percent of all civilian deaths and 53 percent of Christian civilian deaths to Fulani militia groups. In comparison, Boko Haram and ISWAP were jointly responsible for about 12 percent of civilian fatalities recorded during the period.

The report argued that official references to attackers as “bandits” or “unknown gunmen” often obscure the identities of perpetrators and hinder investigations, prosecutions and security responses.

Reacting to the findings, Henrietta Blyth said testimonies from victims and survivors highlighted the devastating human impact of the violence on affected communities.

Researchers also reported a sharp increase in insecurity during the final quarter of 2025, describing it as the deadliest period recorded in seven years of monitoring. Civilian killings reportedly rose by 51 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2024, while abductions increased by 153 percent.

The report further claimed that security deployments have not adequately matched areas experiencing the highest levels of violence, particularly in parts of north-central Nigeria where many of the attacks occur.

Among its recommendations, the report called on the Nigerian government to strengthen investigations into mass attacks, prosecute perpetrators, improve security presence in vulnerable communities, and enhance data collection relating to religiously motivated violence.

The findings add to ongoing international discussions about insecurity in Nigeria and the need for more effective measures to protect vulnerable communities from attacks by armed groups.