We serve Christians around the world whose brave faith in Jesus means they are, beaten, threatened, imprisoned, tortured, falsely accused, disowned and hated.

Nigeria: Almost 900 people killed in violent attacks this year

pattern

In the first three months of 2022, almost 900 Nigerian civilians were killed in violent attacks – including hundreds of Christians who were murdered because of their faith.

It’s difficult to get your head around how many Nigerians have been killed already in 2022. You might hear about individual events – like a bomb and gun attack on a train in north west Nigeria – but it’s hard to get a sense of the scale. In the first three months of 2022, 896 Nigerian civilians were killed in attacks by extremist Islamic militants. Not all were motivated by religious persecution, but a significant number of those men, women and children were murdered because they follow Jesus.

Islamic militant attacks

The report revealing these figures has been put together by SBM Intelligence, a Nigeria-based research firm. These 896 people were killed in attacks by Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), militant Fulani herdsmen, bandits and violent gangs – and this total is only civilians; it doesn’t include members of those extremist groups or people killed because of their job (such as soldiers and police officers). The highest number of fatalities was in the north west of Nigeria, with high numbers elsewhere in the north and in the Middle Belt.

While the violence affects everyone, Christians are often particular targets because of their faith. Nigeria is number seven on the Open Doors World Watch List, and more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than the rest of the world combined. As one example, at least 20 people were killed or injured in an attack by ISWAP in mid-April. They targeted a market in Iware, Taraba State, because it was ‘a gathering of infidel Christians’. A week earlier, Fulani militants attacked 10 communities in Plateau State, killing more than 150 people.

Why are more Christians killed in Nigeria than anywhere else?

“Nigeria is currently one of the scariest places to be a Christian,” says Illia Djadi, an Open Doors analyst for sub-Saharan Africa. “The country has witnessed an explosion of violence in recent months. Attacks are happening almost on a daily basis. And what is happening in Nigeria is a sad illustration of what is happening across West Africa – the agenda, and the process and model of persecution, are being implemented elsewhere with impunity.”

PRAY NOW...
1

For an end to violent attacks in Nigeria, and justice for those who have been killed or injured

3

For decision makers and authorities in Nigeria to have wisdom and diligence in tackling the issue.

2

That Islamic militants would turn from their evil ways and live (Ezekiel 33:11)

Four things you can do now:
  • 1
    Learn more and pray:

    Get our free glow-in-the-dark World Watch List Map and find out more about the places where faith costs the most.

    Get your map…
  • 2
    Pray regularly:

    Every Monday night at 7pm we'll be praying one prayer for one minute for the one in seven Christians around the world who face persecution. Set an alarm and tune in…

    Join us…
  • 3
    Choose to Lose:

    Raise money by getting sponsored to lose something you love for a short time. Sign up and we'll send you a fundraising pack…

    Sign up...
  • 4
    Send a message of hope:

    Imagine getting a letter from a Christian on the other side of the world who'd heard about you and was praying for you - encouraging right? Well, you can send encouragement now to young Christians facing persecution.

    Do that now
NEWS
April 14, 2025

Sara faithfully ministers to the women in her church, helping them to build strong relationships with their spouses. And it’s all because of a dream she had when she was 12…

Find out more
April 14, 2025

Please join us in praying for Barun, a 13-year-old Christian convert who recently had to go to hospital after being beaten because of his faith in Jesus.

Find out more
April 7, 2025

In July 2023 militants attacked Godwin’s village, killing his father. Thanks to your support and prayers, he is finding new hope, forgiving the attackers.

Find out more
April 1, 2025

After Myanmar’s devastating earthquake, here are five ways to pray for the situation, for Christians and for the work of Open Doors partners.

Find out more
March 31, 2025

Pray for the family, friends and church of an Indian Pastor who has been found dead a month after raising concerns about his safety on social media.

Find out more
March 31, 2025

When Yasmina’s parents died within a few years of each other, her friends encouraged her to pursue her Islamic faith, but it was in Jesus that she found a new, but dangerous hope.

Find out more
March 24, 2025

Read about the brave faith of 24-year-old Sharifa in Sri Lanka who has been rejected by her parents for following Jesus. Pray for her as Ramadan ends and pressure against her mounts…

Find out more
March 17, 2025

Please pray – three Iranian Christian converts, including a pregnant woman, have been sentenced to a combined total of over 40 years in prison.

Find out more
March 10, 2025

When 18 year-old Sasha’s dad found copies of the gospels in her bag he beat her and forced her to burn the booklets. But she continues secretly follow Jesus despite the opposition.

Find out more
February 24, 2025

Thanks to your support, underground networks are supplying vital food aid to secret Christians in North Korea…

Find out more
btn-scroll