Rising Violence Against Christians in Nigeria and Syria

Violence against Christians has reached an all-time high in 15 nations, according to the annual World Watch List released by Open Doors International on January 14, 2026. The report indicates that 388 million Christians are currently facing severe persecution and discrimination globally, an increase from 380 million in the previous reporting year.

The 15 countries where violence against Christians is at its highest point since the launch of the World Watch List in 1993 include Nigeria, Syria, Sudan, Mali, Burundi, Pakistan, Myanmar, Niger, India, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Chad.

Persecution in Nigeria

Nigeria has emerged as a primary center for this violence. Reports indicate that 80% of the violence against Christians worldwide is occurring within Nigeria, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacements.

A separate report found that ethnic and religious violence in Nigeria claimed nearly 56,000 lives over a four-year period, noting that victims were disproportionately Christian. The violence often involves Islamist militants attacking churches, villages, and Christian neighborhoods, while governments have been described as doing little to stop the attacks.

Global Trends and Impact

Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors, stated that persecution is increasing in both breadth and severity. Brown attributed the rise in attacks to the advancement of the Church, stating that the enemy is seeking to attack that which is advancing and is working to squelch the Church.

More people are being impacted, and are being impacted more severely.

Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors

The report emphasizes that while the lived experience of Christians on the ground is increasingly severe, many persevere through the knowledge of international prayer and support.

Regional Focus

The escalation of violence is particularly acute in West African and Middle Eastern contexts. In Syria and Nigeria, the levels of violence have reached their highest points since tracking began in 1993. The patterns of attack frequently target religious infrastructure and residential areas associated with the faith.

The World Watch List serves as a primary tracking mechanism for the 50 most dangerous countries for believers, highlighting a trend where the scale of persecution is expanding across multiple continents, including Africa and Asia.