In the past year, the work of Clear & Simple Media has seen a significant increase in Nigeria. We have seen wonderful results, with evangelists and church planters using our material to reach people without Jesus. Literally hundreds have come to Christ through their efforts. [See HERE]

Yet, in that same time period, 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. This has been true for several years, but since 12 states in Northern Nigeria have implemented Islamic law, the persecution has increased significantly. Throughout the region, this has created a system where Christians live as second-class citizens, and conversion from Islam can be severely punished.

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.

In recent years, violence has increased and spilled into southern states. Much of it is perpetrated by Fulani militants hiding in the forests. Another contributor to insecurity for Christians in the south-east 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 their ideological requirements. International organizations tracking the problem estimate that there are more than 3,500,000 internally displaced people in Nigeria. Approximately 50,000 per year have left Nigeria since 2020.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Persecution is most acute in the northern part of Nigeria, where Islamic militants operate with impunity. The situation is highly unstable but also hidden from view for many. The world’s press pays little attention, and the government of Nigeria has neither the capacity nor the will to oppose the Muslim majority.

Christians – especially converts from Islam – living in states governed by Islamic law are also at great risk. Anyone suspected of blasphemy or insulting the Prophet Muhammad can be violently opposed and even killed in vigilante mob attacks.

What has changed this year?

Violence continued unabated in Nigeria, which is why it continues to be ranked in the top ten of the World Persecution Watch List. In multiple instances, hundreds of Christians were killed or displaced because of attacks from Islamic militants. Most of these attacks were carried out by militant Fulani herdsmen, who continue to target Christian communities, leading to the displacement of millions of Christians. Attacks are also carried out by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, along with new extremist groups that are emerging. In spite of the challenges, our partners in Nigeria are not simply involved in evangelism and church planting, but their work often includes trauma counseling, emergency aid, discipleship training, and persecution-response training.

How can you pray for Nigeria?

• The violence in northern Nigeria is never-ending. Ask God to intervene and bring peace to the country.
• Pray that God would give hope and stability to the tens of thousands of Christians who have been displaced.
• Pray that the government of Nigeria would do everything possible to protect people from violence. Ask God to work on the hearts of both officials and those who would inflict violence on His people.
• Pray that the governments and press in the Western World would take note of what is happening in Nigeria.
• Pray that God would move those with the capacity to take action to respond to the crisis.