A May 2026 report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom estimates that about 30,000 armed militants linked to Fulani ethnic groups are operating across Nigeria, spread across multiple loosely organised units.
The report, titled Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants, says these groups have become central to patterns of violence affecting civilians in parts of central and southern Nigeria.
It states that “violence by Fulani militants caused the highest number of deaths among all religious communities in Nigeria over the last year,” placing them ahead of other insurgent and criminal groups.
The commission describes the armed actors as fragmented, with no unified leadership, noting that “these actors operate in a variety of contexts and with a multiplicity of likely aims and motivations.”
According to the report, some groups act independently, while others “periodically coordinate with a wide range of other actors, from conventional bandit gangs… to recognised terrorist organisations.”
Attacks are frequently carried out in rural settlements, often at night, with assailants using motorcycles, firearms and machetes. The report says they “descend on vulnerable communities during the night” in operations designed to overwhelm isolated villages.
The violence is reported across the Middle Belt region, with repeated incidents in states including Benue State, Plateau State and Kaduna State.
In one case cited by the commission, “one attack in Benue in June 2025 killed at least 200 people, including internally displaced persons living in a Catholic mission.”
Another reported incident in Yelwata, Benue State, left more than 200 people dead and displaced thousands of residents.
The report also highlights violence timed around religious periods. It states that “militant actors have often carried out operations during Christian holidays such as Christmas or Easter to further maximise the psychological impact.”
In April 2026, attacks during Palm Sunday and Easter reportedly left dozens dead across multiple states. The report says that “on Easter Sunday, Fulani militants reportedly killed five worshippers at two churches in Kaduna State while abducting 31 others.”
Kidnappings are also documented across both churches and mosques. In one instance, “armed men kidnapped an imam and seven worshippers from a mosque in Plateau,” with ransom demands reportedly set at N16 million.
The commission estimates that at least 1.3 million people have been displaced in the Middle Belt due to repeated attacks, forcing many into overcrowded camps with limited access to basic services.
It also criticises state response, stating that “security forces are consistently slow to respond to attacks on their communities.”
While acknowledging competing interpretations of the violence, the report notes that “multiple and overlapping factors, including religion in many cases, likely spur Fulani militants to attack communities or individuals.”
On policy response, the report references recent Nigerian government actions, including the designation of armed groups as terrorist organisations by President Bola Tinubu following increased international pressure.
Security operations in 2026 reportedly led to the rescue of 309 hostages in Kogi and Kwara states, along with arrests and fatalities among suspected militants.
The report also mentions the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, which rejects allegations of involvement in violence, stating: “We do not support, condone, harbour, finance, or protect any form of criminality.”
Despite ongoing military and policy responses, the commission concludes that insecurity remains persistent, warning that the situation may continue until deeper structural conditions affecting rural safety and conflict resolution are addressed.
