WORLD WATCH LIST

Nigeria

Nigeria is the most violent country in the world to follow Jesus.

“We will worship God because He has preserved our lives...I still have God, and He is still on the throne. He will surely deliver me.”

– Abraham

Country
Profile

Region: Africa
Sources of persecution: Ethno-religious Hostility
Population: 229,152,000
Christian population: 106,608,000
Religions: Christianity
Leader: President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu
Score: 88

What’s Life Like For Christians?

More believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world. Jihadist violence continues to escalate, and Christians are particularly at risk from targeted attacks by Islamist extremists, including Fulani fighters, Boko Haram, and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).

While Christians used to be vulnerable only in the Muslim-majority northern states, this violence continues to spread into the middle belt and even further south. The attacks are shockingly brutal. Many believers are killed, particularly men, while women are often kidnapped and targeted for sexual violence. These extremists also destroy homes, churches, and livelihoods.

More than 16.2 million Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa, including high numbers from Nigeria, have been driven from their homes by violence and conflict. Millions now live in displacement camps.

Converts from Islam often experience rejection from their own families and flee their homes for fear of being killed.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?

The persecution of believers is most common in the northern Muslim-majority states, where rural Christian communities are particularly vulnerable to violent attacks. But attacks are increasingly spreading southward where most of Nigeria’s Christians live.

Raids by Islamic extremists and armed bandits terrorise Christian communities. Women have been kidnapped, sexually assaulted, forced into marriage or sexual slavery, or killed. Many are vulnerable to kidnap and sexual violence even in displacement camps.

PRAY FOR NIGERIA

– For Christians whose loved ones have been killed or abducted.

– That Nigerian leaders will protect Christian citizens and communities.

– For the millions of Christians and others who have been displaced by violence.

What Does Open Doors Do To Help?

Open Doors works through local church partners in Nigeria to strengthen Christians with discipleship, persecution survival training, trauma care, relief aid, and economic empowerment projects.