NHRC Records 205,364 Complaints In February Dashboard, As North-Central Maintains Lead
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday, released the February Human Rights Situation Dashboard, saying its received 205,364 complaints in 88 receiving points across the 36 states, a 5% increase from January 2025.
NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) in his opening address said, the Human Rights Monthly Dashboard being the second edition for the year, is a reflection of the Commissions unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
He said, as always, their offices in Abuja and throughout the 36 states have been working diligently to collate and analyze the complaints received by the Commission, as well as to monitor and report on human rights violations throughout the country.
“This month, we have received a total of 205,364 complaints, underscoring the ongoing challenges we face in securing human rights for all Nigerians. Notably, violations involving state actors continue to top the list, which remains a grave concern. Despite our collective efforts, there are still instances where those entrusted with enforcing the law end up being perpetrators of violations themselves. This reality calls for a renewed emphasis on accountability, particularly within law enforcement agencies. The use of power must always align with human rights standards, and any abuses must be swiftly addressed.
“In addition to this, we have observed troubling trends in the violations of economic, social, and cultural rights. These rights, which are fundamental to human dignity, continue to be overlooked in several parts of our country. Access to basic necessities such as food, housing, healthcare, and education remains a challenge for far too many. We must take urgent steps to address these disparities and work toward policies that ensure equitable access for all Nigerians.
Ojukqu noted that February also witnessed the enactment of several laws with significant human rights implications. This include the Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, and the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025.
The Chief human right officer in Nigeria, Ojukwu noted that these laws promote severe penalties, including the death penalty, for individuals involved in cultism, kidnapping, particularly those linked to ritualistic activities. Adding that while they understand the sentiments and the need for strong measures against such heinous acts, it is crucial to ensure that the rights of the accused are upheld, and that justice is administered in a manner consistent with international human rights standards.
He recalled that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) proposed death penalty on counterfeit drugs has continued to raise concerns regarding the balance between punishment and human rights.
While presenting the February Dashboard during a media briefing at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja , Mr. Hillary Ogbona, Special Advisor on Human Rights to the NHRC Executive Secretary, highlighted the persistent banditry and abduction in the North Central and North West regions.
Revival of communal and inter-communal violence in states like Cross River, Ebonyi and Nasarawa which recorded a total of 45 death.
February 2025 also witnessed an Increase in cult-related killings, Continued extrajudicial killings by law enforcement agencies. Rising reports of rape and sexual violence, which had been previously underreported. And Boko Haram-related attacks in the Northeast.
He attributed the increase in rape cases to growing public confidence in the Commission’s reporting mechanisms.
The North Central region maintained it lead with 58, 207 complaints, followed by North East with 35, 394 among other regions.
However, Law enforcement-related violations topped the list, with over 50,000 complaints.
Violations related to freedom of religion and economic, social, and cultural rights were abovev 30, 000. Domestic violence recorded 6, 954, Rape 341, while Sexual violence 136.
Core Reporters report that Ogbona reiterated the NHRC’s commitment to promoting, protecting, and enforcing human rights for all Nigerians. The Commission called on the government, civil society, and international partners to work together towards building a more just, equitable, and rights-respecting society.
