Christian Persecution in Nigeria: New Report Highlights One Million Displaced

A new international report on Christian persecution has raised fresh concerns about the safety of Christian communities in Nigeria, revealing that at least one million 

Christians have been forced from their homes amid conflict and extremist violence.

The findings were published on October 27, 2026, by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Catholic charity that monitors religious persecution and supports Christians facing discrimination and violence around the world.

The report, titled Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for their Faith, examines conditions in 18 countries and concludes that the situation for Christians failed to improve in any of the countries assessed over the two-year reporting period. Conditions deteriorated in 10 countries, including Nigeria, China and Pakistan.

Sub-Saharan Africa was identified as one of the world’s most dangerous regions for Christians, with terrorist groups targeting churches, clergy and Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, the central Sahel and Mozambique.

In Nigeria, the report highlights the continuing impact of extremist attacks and insecurity, particularly in the northern regions. Attacks on Christian villages, killings, kidnappings and the destruction of communities have contributed to widespread displacement, leaving many families without stable homes and livelihoods.

The findings also point to a wider humanitarian crisis across the continent, where conflict and religiously motivated violence are forcing Christian communities to abandon areas where they have lived for generations.

Beyond Nigeria, the report identifies worsening conditions in countries such as Burkina Faso and Sudan. It also highlights increasing government restrictions on religious activities in China and Iran, alongside attacks and discrimination affecting Christians in other parts of the world.

ACN says the displacement of Christian communities is not only a humanitarian concern but also threatens the survival of historic Christian communities in several regions.

The charity is calling for greater international attention and action to protect religious freedom and support people affected by persecution.

For Nigeria, the findings add to growing concerns about the safety of vulnerable communities and the need for effective protection, accountability and humanitarian assistance.

The report also presents an important challenge to the international Christian community: to move beyond expressions of concern and give sustained attention to believers whose lives, homes and freedom to practise their faith remain under threat