Summary
Christians in Nigeria are facing violence and displacement due to attacks from jihadist groups. Reports indicate that a significant number of Christians have been killed, and many churches have been destroyed. The Nigerian government disputes claims of systematic targeting of Christians.
Key Facts
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) report that Christians are being targeted by jihadist groups in Nigeria.
- An estimated 3,100 out of 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide last year were in Nigeria.
- Open Doors lists Nigeria as the seventh-most dangerous country for Christians.
- Over 16 million Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, including many from Nigeria, have been displaced.
- The violence is centered in Nigeria's Middle Belt, where ethnic and religious tensions are high.
- The Nigerian government denies claims of a systematic campaign against Christians.
- Around 19,100 churches in Nigeria have been attacked or destroyed since 2009.
- Boko Haram, a jihadist group, has been active since 2009, seeking to establish a caliphate in Nigeria and the Sahel region.
