SERAP seeks UN intervention over Nigeria's worsening insecurity

Crime Diary, International

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter and bring Nigeria’s worsening insecurity before the UN Security Council.

SERAP said the escalating wave of killings, abductions, attacks on civilians and mass displacement across several states poses a threat to international peace and security and requires urgent international attention.

In an open letter dated May 30, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation argued that the scale and persistence of violence in Nigeria have created severe humanitarian consequences and could further destabilise the West African region.

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According to SERAP, communities in Oyo, Benue, Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara and other parts of the country continue to experience repeated attacks by armed groups and criminal networks.

The organisation cited the recent abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Ahoro Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where at least 25 pupils and seven teachers were reportedly kidnapped during coordinated attacks on multiple schools.

SERAP also referenced recent attacks in Benue, Katsina, Adamawa and Borno states, including bomb explosions in Maiduguri that reportedly killed at least 23 people and injured more than 100 others.

It maintained that the crisis has gone beyond a domestic security challenge, warning that cross-border movement of armed groups, large-scale displacement and weakening institutions pose wider regional risks.

The rights group said placing Nigeria’s security situation on the Security Council’s agenda would ensure sustained international attention, strengthen civilian protection efforts and improve accountability for perpetrators of violence.

SERAP noted that United Nations officials have repeatedly expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

It recalled that Guterres condemned the killings in Benue State in June 2025 and denounced a terrorist attack in Kwara State in February 2026, while the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also raised concerns over rising cases of mass abductions in the country.

The organisation urged the UN chief to encourage regular Security Council briefings on insecurity in Nigeria, support independent investigations into attacks, and press Nigerian authorities to strengthen civilian protection measures and secure the release of abducted persons.

SERAP also called on the international community to use all available means to prevent further escalation of violence and support efforts aimed at ending impunity and delivering justice for victims.

The organisation warned that continued insecurity could deepen humanitarian suffering, undermine regional stability and further threaten peace and security across West Africa.