NIGERIA

Nigeria represents one of the greatest contrasts in the world.

Roughly 100 million Christians in the South and 100 million Muslims in the North.

Join us as we explore one of the most compelling case studies for global missions today.

Nigeria is the most populated country in the entire continent of Africa. There are more followers of Jesus in Nigeria than any country in this entire continent.* At the same time, there are more Muslims, most of them not having access to the gospel. 

That is why Unknown Nations is here. 
We want to take you to Nigeria, show you what God has done in the South, and we celebrate that, but we also want to show you the realities of what’s going on in the North.

Christianity was first introduced to Nigeria in the 15th century. Since then, the Gospel has flourished in the South—but the story in the North is far different. Islam has had a stronghold in the region for over a thousand years, and it remains one of the most spiritually resistant and hostile areas in the world.

You could divide the country into two major parts:

THE SOUTH

In 1900, fewer than 180,000 Christians lived in this vast country. Just 125 years later, that number has grown to over 100 million followers of Jesus. In southern Nigeria, the Church is passionate and dynamic—Christianity is ingrained in daily life and deeply integrated into the culture.

100 MILLION

FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST

THE NORTH

Here in the North, it’s very different from the South. This region is populated by people groups like the Fulani, the Kanuri and the Hausa that are roughly 99% Muslim. You see evidence of Islam in every single direction. The challenge for Christianity is just at epic proportions.

99% MUSLIM

SOME OF THE MOST HOSTILE LAND IN THE WORLD.

Bashir was born into a nation in Northern Nigeria. In this tribe, ancient idols loom large and unseen spirits dictate the rhythms of life. His childhood was shaped by the traditions of his ancestors—rituals, sacrifices, and fear. Witchcraft was not questioned. The village chiefs, upholding their way of life, turned away Christians who wanted to start schools, insisting that their children work the fields rather than sit in classrooms.

But change is patient. Doors opened as literacy found its way in—not through revolution but through routine. Chalk on blackboards, lessons practiced in the dim light of evening. Along the way, Bashir encountered Jesus—not as a prophet or spirit, but as Savior. God’s Word spoke to him with an authority no spell or ancestor ever had. Through Christ, he heard Truth. And he believed.

The cost came quickly. When his family responded, he was branded a traitor, cursed and cast out by those who once called him ‘son’ and ‘friend’. 

Yet Bashir began to share his story with anyone who would listen. There were still barriers and strongholds that entrenched his nation, but Bashir and a team of seven others bore a message greater than fear. Partnered with one of Unknown Nations’ Indigenous Leaders, Bashir was strengthened and empowered to continue introducing his people to Jesus for the very first time.

Through rejection, silence, and moments of danger, Bashir remembered: he had been among the first to bring the hope of the gospel to his people. And for every soul that turned from idols to the cross, he praised God. Because Truth had come to his nation—and he would not let it leave.

*As an active missionary on the field, Bashir’s name was changed for his protection. 

Largely Christian South & Islamic North.

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Bashir | Northern Nigeria

Shining God's Light in The Dark

Stories from the front lines in the darkest places on earth.

“It’s very evident that Christianity has touched base in Nigeria,” says Gabriel. “Christianity in Southern Nigeria is impressive.”In the South, faith is a part of daily life. You’ll find sprawling megachurches, renowned church leaders, and greetings that reflect Christian values. But beneath the surface, there’s a more complicated picture.

A popular message in many churches centers on the idea that giving more will result in personal blessings, whether wealth, recognition, or success. “The leaders are preaching messages that will help advance that narrative—that ‘Christ came to do something for you,’” Gabriel explains.

Yet as churches continue to multiply, few are emphasizing the biblical call to take the gospel to those who have never heard it. “When they say they are doing missions, they are actually doing it in almost exclusively Christian areas—where people are already responding to the gospel,” he shared.

Even so, Gabriel sees hope. “God is helping us; we are trying to rewrite that narrative,” he says. 

Across the country, a renewed urgency for true mission—discipleship and evangelism is rising. Why now? “This jihadist movement is trying to push out Christianity from the country,” he explains.

That urgency is felt acutely in the North, where following Christ comes with a cost. “Every Northern Christian takes his own life in his own hand,” Gabriel says. Tens of thousands have been killed by jihadist violence. Believers gather in secret, risking everything. In the face of danger, hardship, and poverty, their faith endures. 

Nigeria is positioned for explosive Church growth. The people, the vision, the resources—they’re already here. Gabriel hopes Southern churches will catch a fresh vision for mission. Not to build bigger buildings, but to go to those who have never heard the gospel, no matter the cost.

Gabriel | Southern Nigeria

Shining God's Light in The Dark

Stories from the front lines in the darkest places on earth.

Your gift will distribute Treasures, provide humanitarian aid, train and disciple leaders, drill water wells, celebrate baptisms, and birth churches. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Nations vs. Countries

Jesus didn’t call us to countries, He called us to make disciples of all nations. Nigeria is a great case study for modern missions as we evaluate finishing the task of the Great Commission.

Nigeria is not just a nation by itself, it represents over 500 individual nations each with their own unique culture, language, or distinguishing characteristics.

Five Largest Nations Inside Nigeria