US Report Links 30,000 Armed Fulani Militants To Nigeria’s Insecurity
A new report released by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has claimed that about 30,000 armed Fulani militants are currently operating across Nigeria, worsening insecurity in several parts of the country.
According to the report, the armed groups operate in clusters ranging from small units to large formations and have become major non-state actors involved in violent attacks, kidnappings, and religious freedom violations across different regions.
The report stated that attacks linked to the militants have intensified insecurity in parts of the Middle Belt and southern Nigeria, leading to deaths, displacement of communities, and rising tensions among ethnic and religious groups.
It also claimed that some attacks were deliberately carried out during Christian religious celebrations such as Easter and Christmas to increase fear and psychological impact on affected communities.
The commission noted that while some Fulani militant groups operate independently, others allegedly work alongside bandit gangs and extremist organisations in certain parts of the country.
The report further highlighted incidents in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and other states where communities have repeatedly faced deadly attacks, abductions, and destruction of property.
Security challenges involving armed groups, bandits, and insurgents have remained one of Nigeria’s biggest national concerns in recent years, especially in rural communities and border areas.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly insisted that security agencies are intensifying operations against terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal groups across the country.
Military authorities have also continued joint operations in several northern states as part of efforts to reduce attacks and restore stability in affected regions.
The latest report is expected to trigger fresh debates over insecurity, religious violence, and the growing activities of armed groups operating in different parts of Nigeria.