A group of United Nations human rights experts has called on the Nigerian government to take urgent action over reports of violence and human rights violations affecting women and girls, particularly among Christian and other religious minority communities.

In a statement issued from Geneva, the experts expressed concern over allegations of killings, abductions, sexual violence, forced conversions, child marriages, and disappearances linked to activities of armed groups and other violent actors operating in parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.

The UN specialists said testimonies from victims and survivors reveal a disturbing pattern of fear, trauma, and insecurity, with women and girls facing heightened risks of exploitation and abuse. They noted that groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, alongside other violent elements, continue to take advantage of weak accountability and inadequate protection mechanisms.

Among the incidents highlighted were reports of abducted girls, forced religious conversions, child marriages, and attacks on young women whose families resisted demands from militants. The experts warned that such allegations, if verified, could constitute serious violations of international human rights law.

They also raised concerns about attacks on minority communities, displacement of families, destruction of places of worship, and the vulnerability of women and girls living in camps for internally displaced persons, where some reportedly face exploitation in exchange for food and basic necessities.

The UN officials urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities, secure the release of abducted victims, conduct thorough and independent investigations, and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

According to the experts, ending impunity and providing support, rehabilitation, and remedies for victims are essential steps toward preventing further abuses and restoring confidence in the rule of law.

The statement was endorsed by several UN special rapporteurs and working group members who stressed that urgent action is needed to protect affected communities and uphold fundamental human rights across the country.