SECURITY: Security Crisis Deepens: 95 Killed, 68 Abducted Across Nigeria in One Week

Image: Number of people killed and kidnapped in Nigeria.

At least 95 people lost their lives and 68 others were abducted across Nigeria within the past week, marking a disturbing surge in violent attacks by armed non-state actors, according to a data review by conflict analysts and media monitoring.

The reported figures represent a sharp increase compared to the previous week, when 65 deaths and 17 abductions were recorded across 11 states. Between May 17 and 23, a total of 32 incidents were documented in 12 states, excluding isolated cases where exact numbers were unavailable but mass abductions were estimated.

Concentration of Violence: North Remains Epicenter

The North-west and North-east regions remained the epicenters of violence, jointly accounting for 26 out of the 32 reported incidents. Banditry continued to ravage the North-west with 20 attacks, while the insurgency-plagued North-east recorded six. In contrast, North-central saw only two incidents, and no significant security threats were reported in the South-south or South-west regions during the same period.

The South-east recorded four attacks, mostly attributed to separatist groups such as the Eastern Security Network (ESN), affiliated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Deadly Attacks Across States

In Taraba State, a deadly communal clash between herders and farmers left 30 people dead on May 23. The recurring conflict, often triggered by resource competition and exacerbated by climate change, remains a persistent threat in the region.

Adamawa State witnessed a bloody attack on May 17, when suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants invaded Kulda village in Hong LGA, killing 16 residents. Two days later, in Kebbi State, armed men believed to be Lakurawa bandits stormed a church in Zagani village, Danko-Wasagu LGA, abducting eight female worshippers.

In Sokoto State, the notorious bandit group led by Kallamu Buzu attacked Garin Idi community in Sabon Birni LGA, abducting several residents. Katsina State recorded a grim toll of 26 killed and 20 abducted in separate incidents between May 17 and 22.

On May 21, multiple attacks in Katsina left two dead and seven abducted. Within two days, between May 22 and 23, Zamfara State witnessed fresh assaults where at least 10 people were kidnapped and five others killed.

Terror Strikes Continue in Borno, Yobe, Kaduna

In Borno, ISWAP militants carried out twin attacks on May 22 and 23, resulting in the deaths of three Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives and one local vigilante. In neighboring Yobe State, two soldiers were killed and 10 others injured during a midnight raid.

Despite peace efforts in Kaduna State, violence persisted. On May 21, armed men attacked near Kaduna International Airport, killing three vigilantes.

Southeast and Central Nigeria Not Spared

In Anambra State, six people were killed in separate attacks on May 17 and 22. In Enugu, gunmen killed one and kidnapped 10 in different raids across Uzo-Uwani and Ezeagu LGAs. Additionally, two individuals—a young woman and a farmer—were abducted by suspected herders in the Umabor community of Nsukka LGA.

In Kogi State, six women were kidnapped on their way back from Ejule market in Ofu LGA on May 23, underscoring the increasing reach of violent criminal elements even in relatively calmer regions.

Military Gains Amid Chaos

Despite the bleak statistics, security forces achieved some success during the week under review. Joint operations led to the neutralization of terror elements and the recovery of weapons in parts of the North-west and South-east. However, experts warn that the widening scale of coordinated attacks calls for urgent, sustained security reforms.