Nigeria's reported cases of violence and discrimination against women plummeted by 81 percent between April 2025 and April 2026. Data from the National Human Rights Commission showed the dramatic shift across multiple categories of abuse.
Complaints dropped from 11,667 incidents in April 2025 to just 2,212 a year later. The figures cover sexual and gender-based violence, harmful cultural practices, forced marriage, trafficking, and inheritance disputes.
Gender-based discrimination remained the most frequently reported violation despite the decline. Cases fell from 1,739 to 752 — a 56 percent reduction.
Forced marriage saw one of the sharpest declines. Reports dropped from 1,608 to 96 in the same period.
Harmful cultural practices, including female genital mutilation and discriminatory widowhood rites, fell dramatically. Only 79 cases were reported in April 2026, compared to 1,571 the previous year.
Women denied access to their children filed 246 complaints in April 2026. That's down from 1,422 cases twelve months earlier.
Sexual and reproductive rights violations declined from 1,376 to 362. Inheritance-related abuses also dropped sharply — from 969 to 54.
Human trafficking, a persistent challenge in Nigeria, showed improvement. Reported incidents fell from 1,560 to 187.
Abandonment cases decreased from 1,422 to 436 during the period. Advocates credited joint efforts by government agencies and civil society groups.
But the gains mask a troubling pattern earlier in 2026. NHRC data revealed spikes across categories during the first quarter.
Gender-based discrimination cases jumped to 1,352 by March. In January, only 891 cases had been reported.
Forced marriage complaints rose from 182 in January to 211 by March. Harmful cultural practices climbed from 148 to 160.
Sexual and reproductive rights violations increased steadily during early 2026. Cases climbed from 448 in January to 677 by March.
Human trafficking cases also rose during the quarter. Reports jumped from 262 in January to 306 by March.
Abandonment complaints followed the same trajectory. Incidents increased from 580 to 754.
Gender advocates warn against complacency despite the overall decline. They say sustainable progress requires tackling root causes of abuse.
Strengthening protection systems remains critical, they insisted. Lasting change won't come without addressing harmful traditions and discriminatory practices.
The advocates called for continued government commitment to the fight. They stressed that one year of progress doesn't guarantee long-term success.
Civil society organizations must maintain pressure on authorities. Development partners should sustain their support for victim assistance programs.
Nigeria's women and girls deserve protection that lasts beyond statistics. The work of building safer communities has only just begun.
