A report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) estimates that around 30,000 Fulani militants are operating in Nigeria, contributing to increased insecurity and violations of religious freedom. The report indicates that violence attributed to these militants has resulted in the highest number of deaths among religious communities in Nigeria over the past year, surpassing those caused by organized insurgent groups and criminal gangs. The Fulani, primarily known as livestock herders, have reportedly targeted Christian farming communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt and South, engaging in acts such as arson, kidnapping, and murder.
Sterling Tilley, a former counterterrorism expert at the State Department, expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of U.S. military actions against the Fulani, suggesting that such measures might exacerbate instability. He emphasized the need for Nigerian political will to address the violence. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth mentioned that President Donald Trump had previously expressed concern for Nigerian Christians facing violence.
The USCIRF report notes that Christians comprise approximately 48% of Nigeria's population and highlights that Fulani militants often conduct attacks during Christian holidays to maximize psychological impact. However, the report also states that Muslims have been victims of Fulani violence, with attacks on non-Fulani Muslim communities as well.
Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, remarked on the severity of the situation, indicating that while not all violence is religiously motivated, Christians remain particularly vulnerable. The report criticizes the responses of federal and state authorities to Fulani militant violence, describing them as inadequate or complicit. Tilley pointed out that upcoming elections in Nigeria may influence government actions, as the Fulani represent a significant voting bloc.