A new report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) says about 30,000 armed Fulani militants are currently operating across Nigeria, worsening insecurity, killings and religious tensions in many communities.

The May 2026 report described the militants as some of the deadliest non-state actors in the country, accusing them of carrying out coordinated attacks across the Middle Belt and parts of southern Nigeria.

According to the commission, the groups operate in clusters ranging from 10 to 1,000 fighters and have been linked to thousands of deaths, mass displacement and attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities.

USCIRF said the militants often attack rural communities at night using motorcycles, automatic weapons and machetes to force residents off their lands and create fear.

The report highlighted several deadly incidents in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna and Niger states, including attacks on churches, mosques and displaced persons camps. It added that more than 1.3 million people have been displaced across central Nigeria due to the violence.

While some analysts blame the crisis on land disputes, environmental pressures and economic competition, others believe religion also plays a major role in many of the attacks.

The commission criticised security agencies for allegedly responding slowly to attacks but noted that federal and state governments have recently intensified operations against armed groups, including classifying violent gangs and kidnappers as terrorists.

Despite ongoing efforts, USCIRF warned that insecurity remains widespread and could persist unless stronger measures are taken to protect affected communities and guarantee religious freedom.