Nigerian Christian Deaths Could Double in 2026 Without Action
Christian persecution watchdog Release International warned that deaths of Nigerian believers could double in 2026 unless swift international action is taken to clamp down on attacks, with more than 7,000 Christians killed in the first 220 days of 2025 alone.
Release International's Annual Persecution Trends Report highlighted Nigeria, India, China, and Iran as countries requiring urgent prayer and intervention. A Release International partner in Nigeria stated
"The increase in persecution stems from the unchecked expansion of jihadist groups, fueled by ideological opposition to Christianity and Western influence, alongside government inaction and inadequate security responses."
The Nigerian partner added, "We foresee heightened risks from cross border incursions by Sahel based jihadists spilling into Nigeria and expect more Christians to be martyred, with projections exceeding 2025's deaths if trends continue. Without swift action, 2026 could see martyrdoms double if global silence persists."
In the first 220 days of 2025, more than 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria with many more internally displaced amid an onslaught of attacks. The International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law reported this represents an average of 32 Christians killed every day in Nigeria.
International watchdog groups estimate that more than 50,000 Nigerian Christians have been killed since 2009, with millions displaced by Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and armed Fulani militant factions. Open Doors ranked Nigeria as the seventh worst country for Christians, noting attacks have expanded from the Muslim majority north to the Middle Belt and farther south.
A New Year's Eve attack on the Bum community in Jos South Local Government Area killed at least seven people around 11:00 PM December 31, 2025 as residents prepared to welcome 2026. The Berom Youths Moulder Association said seven bodies were recovered by Thursday morning with search and rescue operations ongoing and fears the death toll could rise.
The attack occurred despite prior security alerts warning several communities in Jos South were at risk. Churches across Adamawa State canceled New Year crossover services, late night Christian gatherings traditionally held to usher in the New Year through prayer and worship, after Christian leaders issued urgent security advisories warning of planned terrorist attacks during celebrations.
The seven New Year's Eve deaths follow a pattern of holiday violence targeting Christians. On Christmas Day 2024, Fulani militants killed 11 Christians in Benue State. During Christmas 2023, coordinated attacks in Plateau State killed more than 140 people and injured over 300 in Christian villages across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu between December 23 and December 25.
Benue State has been among the hardest hit, accounting for at least 1,100 Christian deaths in 2025 alone, including the Yelewata massacre of June 13 to 14 that killed 280 Christians. Release International also highlighted India where Christians face bans on evangelism, church meetings, and even private worship in certain states, with increasing use of anti conversion laws and militant style groups attempting to stop church services.
The watchdog called on the global church to pray for the safety of Iranian house churches and secret believers in Afghanistan.
A Release International partner for China described current persecution of Christians as being at its worst since the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and early 1970s, stating
"The Chinese Communist Party has launched a war against the Christian faith" through systematic crackdowns on house church networks and imprisonment of pastors.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
7,000 Christians killed in 220 days. 32 murdered every single day.
And 2026 could be twice as deadly.
Release International warned deaths could double without swift action. But the world stays silent. Western churches focus on pronouns and reparations while Nigerian believers are massacred daily.
Churches canceled New Year services because terrorists planned attacks. Think about that. Christians couldn't gather to pray in the new year because jihadists hunt them.
Seven killed New Year's Eve preparing to celebrate. Eleven killed Christmas Day. 140 killed Christmas 2023. They target Christian holidays deliberately.
50,000 Christians murdered since 2009. Millions displaced. 19,000 churches burned. And Nigeria's government calls it banditry, not terrorism.
Meanwhile Western media ignores it completely. Pro Palestinian protests fill city streets. But where are the marches for Nigerian Christians? Where's the outrage? Where's the coverage?
China launches war against the Christian faith. Worst persecution since the Cultural Revolution. Iran's house churches hide. India bans evangelism and private worship.
And the global church sleeps.
Release International is right. Without swift action, martyrdoms will double. Because global silence emboldens killers.
Nigerian Christians worship while militants circle villages. They follow Christ knowing it costs their lives.
And we complain about minor inconveniences in our safe neighborhoods.
This is the church being slaughtered. Our brothers and sisters. And most Western Christians don't even know it's happening.
TAKE ACTION
Support The Shepherds Shield - www.TheShepherdsShield.org
Pressure Your Government: Demand representatives address Nigerian Christian persecution with concrete action beyond statements
International Christian Concern: Website: https://www.persecution.org/countries/nigeria Phone: +1 (800) 422-5441
Start Conversations: Ask: "7,000 Nigerian Christians were killed in 220 days. Deaths could double in 2026. Why does the Western media cover every other conflict but ignore the systematic slaughter of believers?"
