COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: March 2026
Christianity is dominant in the South-South, South-West and the South-East regions. Islam is the dominant religion in the North-West and North-East regions where significant Christian populations also reside. Christians and Muslims reside in approximately equal numbers in the North-Central region.
Christians and Muslims have been affected by violence in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in regions marked by religious tension or armed conflict.
Christians: In areas where Boko Haram operates, Christians have a well-founded fear of persecution in general (see 3.1. Individuals within the reach of Boko Haram). In the North-Central and North-West regions Christians have been targeted in the context of farmers and herders conflict (see 3.6. Individuals belonging in herder or farmer communities).
Muslims: In the North-Central and North-West regions Muslims have been targeted in the context of farmers and herders conflict (see 3.6. Individuals belonging in herder or farmer communities). In areas where Boko Haram operates, non-abiding Muslims are targeted by the group as they are viewed as infidels or apostates (see 3.1. Individuals within the reach of Boko Haram).