Nigeria sees more deaths from insurgency and banditry in six months than in all of 2024.
Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission released sobering statistics indicating that 2,266 people were killed by insurgents or bandits in the first six months of 2025, compared to 1,083 deaths in the same period last year and 2,194 deaths in all of 2024. The spike underscores a deepening security crisis across multiple regions.
Attacks have surged in the northeast, northwest, central, and southeast regions, with armed groups exploiting gaps in state security. In central Nigeria’s Benue State, gunmen attacked communities like Yelwata and Dauda, killing hundreds in a single incident.
Human rights officials, including Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu, have called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently implement comprehensive security reforms. “Families are being destroyed … silence is not an option,” Ojukwu urged during the report release.
Critics argue that despite heavy spending and military deployments, the government has struggled to retain territories and protect civilians, raising questions about strategic planning and coordination. Analysts warn that without systemic reform and effective oversight, violence levels may continue to rise.
I'm Adedayo Obadina
Talksocialtalks
