The data of about 2,500 victims of religious persecution came from a report published by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, a Nigerian investigative firm focusing on human rights issues. 

The data highlights concern about frequent incidents of persecution against Christians in Nigeria in the areas where Islamic extremist groups, such as the Fulani militants, operate. This comes after Fulani militants killed 37 Christians in Nigeria in three weeks, according to a report from International Christian Concern (ICC). 

ICC reported on efforts to add Nigeria to the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) published by the U.S. Department of State. The State Department did not place Nigeria on the CPC, despite the recommendation from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. 

Source: persecution.org