The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the United Nations to urgently intervene in Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, warning that the crisis now poses a threat to international peace and security.
In an open letter dated May 30, 2026, SERAP called on António Guterres, UN secretary-general to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter to bring Nigeria’s security situation before the Security Council.
The organisation said, “Nigeria’s escalating insecurity and grave human rights violations are reflected in repeated abductions, killings, attacks on civilians, and mass displacement in Oyo, Benue, Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and several other parts of the country.”
SERAP added that the situation has gone beyond a domestic issue, stating that “the scale, persistence, and regional implications of the insecurity and grave human rights crisis in Nigeria pose a threat to international peace and security.”
According to the group, Article 99 of the UN Charter is designed for urgent intervention in situations requiring coordinated global action, stressing that Nigeria now fits this condition.
“Article 99 of the UN Charter is designed precisely for situations in which emerging or ongoing crises require urgent preventive diplomacy, sustained international scrutiny, and coordinated international action,” SERAP stated.
The organisation warned that repeated attacks across multiple states have resulted in mass abductions, killings, and displacement, creating widespread humanitarian suffering.
SERAP cited recent incidents, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, where armed men reportedly attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted “at least 25 pupils and seven teachers,” while an assistant headmaster was killed.
It also referenced attacks in Benue State and bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, which left dozens dead and many others injured.
SERAP further noted that coordinated raids in Katsina and Adamawa have left dozens killed and many abducted, describing the trend as evidence of a “rapidly deteriorating” security situation.
The group stressed that “the crisis in Nigeria is not merely a domestic law-enforcement issue,” adding that cross-border movement of armed groups and displacement now have regional consequences across West Africa.
“There is no effective protection of people and communities, with frequent reports of a pattern of large-scale violence across multiple states,” SERAP said.
It urged the UN Secretary-General to place Nigeria’s insecurity before the Security Council, request regular briefings on the situation, and strengthen international monitoring of humanitarian conditions.
SERAP also called for strengthened civilian protection measures, independent investigations into attacks, and accountability for perpetrators, warning that urgent action is needed to prevent further escalation.
The appeal comes amid continued mass abductions, rural attacks, and insurgent violence across Nigeria, raising concerns over the government’s capacity to protect civilians and restore security.
