7. Nigeria

Region

Africa

Christian population

106 608 000 (46.5%)

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Main Religion

Christianity

Main threats

• Islamic oppression
• Ethno-religious hostility
• Religious nationalism
• Dictatorial paranoia
• Organised corruption and crime

Total score

88%

Pressure

85.7%

Violence

99.8%

In Nigeria, Christians suffer significant and severe persecution to such a degree that Nigeria has been the most violent place in the world for followers of Jesus for several years. In northern Nigeria, 12 states have implemented Islamic law, creating a system where Christians live as second-class citizens, and conversion from Islam can be severely punished.

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Violent Islamic militant groups also operate across northern Nigeria and into the country’s central region. Some of these groups – including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an offshoot of Islamic State – target followers of Jesus and any properties owned by Christians. Other Christians, particularly farmers in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, are confronted by Islamic militants among the Fulani people, who disproportionately attack Christian communities with horrific violence.

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In recent years, violence has increased and spilt into southern states. Much of it is perpetrated by Fulani militants hiding in the forests. Another contributor to insecurity for Christians in the southeast is the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group trying to carve out its own nation. IPOB has also oppressed and persecuted Christians, particularly Christian leaders who do not conform to its ideological requirements.