No fewer than 152 security operatives, including soldiers, police officers, and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have been killed in attacks by non-state actors across Nigeria between January 2 and May 13, 2025.
This figure, compiled from media reports and data from security think tank SBM Intelligence, underscores the growing toll of insecurity on frontline personnel in the country.
Analysts say the real number may be significantly higher due to underreporting in conflict zones.
The violence has not spared civilians. In a separate report, Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited disclosed that at least 4,702 civilians were killed and 3,739 abducted between January 1 and April 30, 2025.
Several major incidents during the reporting period reveal the persistent threats faced by Nigeria’s security forces.
On January 2, gunmen killed five security operatives and two civilians during a burial ceremony in Ihiala, Anambra State.
Two days later, on January 4, six soldiers were slain in Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA, Borno State, in a Boko Haram/ISWAP offensive.
Another ambush in the same area on January 6 resulted in the deaths of six additional soldiers and the destruction of military vehicles.
A suicide bombing on January 26 in Malam Fatori, Borno State, reportedly carried out by ISWAP, killed 27 soldiers.
In March, militants attacked military bases in Wajiroko and Wulgo, Borno, killing at least four soldiers.
In April, three police officers were gunned down at a checkpoint in Enugu State.
On May 3, four soldiers were killed and decapitated in a terrorist attack on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, during which military installations were also set ablaze.
Just days later, on May 7, an army captain and a soldier lost their lives during a midnight raid on Izge community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The bloodshed continued on May 13, when more than ten soldiers were reportedly killed in a deadly Boko Haram assault on a military base in Marte, Borno.
Security analyst Oladele Fajana described the frequency and intensity of these attacks as “deeply troubling,” stressing the need to overhaul Nigeria’s intelligence architecture.
“For such attacks to succeed repeatedly, it points to a failure in intelligence gathering,” he said. “If the military continues to suffer these losses—especially on their own bases—the consequences for national security could be catastrophic.”
The civilian toll paints an even bleaker picture.
According to the Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Dr. Kabir Adams, the figures recorded in just four months are alarming.
“Our database shows that from January 1 to April 30, 2025, 4,702 people were killed and 3,739 abducted. With these numbers, it is hard to justify any pass mark for the current security sector leadership,” Adams stated.
He emphasised that while the military chiefs often draw scrutiny, Nigeria’s security sector includes 29 ministries, departments, and agencies.
“We must begin to hold all 29 accountable. Right now, public security is weak. What is strong is the politics,” he added.
In response to the rising insecurity, President Bola Tinubu on May 10 pledged to confront the crisis decisively.
Speaking during the induction of two Augusta A-109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force fleet, the President—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—highlighted the event as a turning point in the fight against terrorism.
“This induction is a strategic statement of intent,” Tinubu said. “It demonstrates our collective resolve to defend our nation and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa.”
He expressed confidence that the helicopters would bolster the military’s rapid-response capability in conflict zones nationwide and across the West African sub-region.
Yet experts remain unconvinced. Dr. Adams suggested that the military is overstretched and could benefit from collaborating with private military contractors.
“Especially local PMCs. But this must be done within a structured strategy that aligns with our national security policies,” he warned.
Security analyst Mr. Jackson Ojo was more scathing in his assessment, accusing the Tinubu administration of lacking the political will to tackle insecurity.
Feeding babies to dogs is sacrilegious and satanic,” he said, referring to a horrific incident in Zamfara where bandits allegedly fed newborn twins to dogs. “These things are happening, yet we say we have military and paramilitary forces. Nigerians are losing faith, and when that happens, they will resort to self-help.”
In a separate interview, Ojo said, “Nigeria is now seen as unsafe—even by Mali, Chad, and Burkina Faso. Which investor will bring funds into a country where military installations are attacked, and kidnap victims are only released after ransom? Tinubu needs to act decisively.”
He criticised the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and his junior counterpart, Bello Matawalle, for lacking military experience. He also stressed the need for greater investment in the welfare of troops.
“A soldier whose family is worried about school fees cannot give his best in battle,” Ojo said
The Punch
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