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Nigeria

RegionAfrica
Sources of PersecutionIslamic Oppression
Population200,962,000
Christian Population93,791,000
ReligionsIslam/Christianity
GovernmentFederal Presidential Republic
LeaderPresident Muhammadu Buhari
Score80/100

Nigeria

Though the south of Nigeria is predominantly Christian, Islam dominates the north. Extremist groups, including Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, have terrorised believers for years.

Violent attacks by extremists who target Christians often end in the loss of lives, physical injuries and the destruction of property. Many lose their land and source of income. Christians, especially girls and women, are often kidnapped during these attacks.

There is little accountability for the violence that characterises Nigeria, and even less so, when Christians are the ones targeted.

12 of the northern states enforce Sharia (Islamic) law, and believers not adhering to the traditions and dress codes of Sharia law face violent persecution. Young believers can be denied access to higher education because they follow Jesus.

Despite the pressure and risks, Nigerian believers are continuing to hold fast to their faith and follow Jesus, no matter the cost.

Pray for Nigeria

Pray for extraordinary grace, peace and healing as Christians deal with the constant threat of violence.

Pray that many Islamic extremists hear the gospel and come to know Jesus.

Pray that the church will be able to withstand pressure to give up their faith and respond to persecution in a way that glorifies Christ.

News

Nigeria | Extremists Take Life Of Pastor

Earlier this month, extremist group Boko Haram kidnapped the Adamawa state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria. Last week, they executed...
30 January 2020 Nigeria Prayer News

Nigeria | 40 Christians Killed In The Lead Up To Easter

While the world has its eyes on the tragedy in Sri Lanka, the church in Nigeria also suffered a series of attacks during the Easter period.Our field...
1 May 2019

Nigeria | 90% of 2018 Christian Deaths Were In Nigeria

The 2019 World Watch List reports 4,136 Christians in the top 50 countries were killed for their faith. Nigeria alone accounts for 90% of those kil...
24 January 2019
Image: Photo accompanying the voice recording of Leah Sharibu that Boko Haram released to Nigerian media.

Nigeria | Update On Leah, Kidnapped By Boko Haram

Leah Sharibu’s parents, Nathan and Rebeccah Sharibu, have expressed their joy at hearing their daughter’s voice six months after she was first ta...
5 September 2018