Across Nigeria, families are increasingly grappling with rising hardship and insecurity, as daily life becomes more difficult amid economic pressures and persistent violence, according to a new warning from a civil society group.
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, CHRICED, raised the alarm on Monday in Abuja, where its Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said the combined impact of insecurity, inflation, and governance challenges is pushing many households to the brink.
He noted that in several communities, fear has become part of everyday life, with reports of kidnappings, killings, and attacks continuing across different regions. According to the organisation, over 1,100 people have been abducted since January 2026, with fatalities also recorded among civilians and security personnel.
Zikirullahi explained that the violence is not confined to one region, citing insurgent attacks in the North-East, as well as banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central zones, which have displaced residents and disrupted farming and local economies.
Beyond security concerns, the group highlighted the toll of economic hardship on ordinary Nigerians, pointing to rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of basic commodities, which it says are forcing families to make difficult choices, including cutting back on food and education expenses.
The organisation also expressed concern over recent incidents affecting civilian safety, including an airstrike in Borno State, as well as the killing of a senior military officer during an attack, developments it said raise broader questions about safety and the effectiveness of current responses.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by authorities, CHRICED urged stronger and more coordinated action, noting that public confidence depends on visible improvements in security and living conditions.
The group further called for attention to social services, warning that pressures on education and healthcare systems could have long-term consequences, as it urged stakeholders to prioritise policies that directly improve the welfare and safety of citizens.
