Nigeria’s security landscape in 2025 was marked by widespread violence that cut across nearly every region of the country.
Terrorist groups, armed bandits and communal militias carried out sustained attacks that left thousands dead, displaced entire communities and deepened fears over public safety.
By midyear, reports indicated that more than 2,200 people had lost their lives to insecurity nationwide, with the tempo of attacks increasing toward the final months of the year.
December alone reportedly accounted for over 80 deaths, underscoring how the crisis persisted despite ongoing military and security operations.
Analysts observed distinct but overlapping threats across regions: Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked fighters intensified operations in the North-East; bandit groups expanded raids and mass kidnappings in the North-West and parts of the North-Central; while communal and militia-related violence flared in the Middle Belt and the South-South.
Mass Abductions Deepen The Crisis
According to figures cited online, 2025 also witnessed an alarming surge in kidnappings, with claims that millions of Nigerians were abducted for ransom or other criminal purposes, particularly in the North-West and North-Central.
While the scale of the figure has generated debate, there is broad agreement that mass abductions remained one of the most defining features of the year’s insecurity.
Benue: Yelewata Attack Leaves Community Devastated
One of the most shocking incidents of the year occurred on June 13 in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Armed assailants suspected to be herdsmen carried out a coordinated night attack that left close to 200 residents—mostly farmers and traders—dead.
Security sources said police earlier prevented an attempted assault on a nearby church sheltering displaced persons.
Hours later, however, the attackers struck the local market area, targeting buildings where hundreds of displaced residents were resting.
The scale of the killings plunged the state and the nation into mourning.
Zamfara: Kidnap Victims Killed After Ransom Payments
In Zamfara State, the dangers of banditry were highlighted on July 27 when at least 40 kidnapped villagers were reportedly killed despite ransom payments made on their behalf.
The victims were among 56 residents abducted months earlier from Banga village in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area.
Although 16 captives eventually regained their freedom, the killing of the remaining hostages—some of them vulnerable individuals—sparked outrage and renewed criticism of ransom-driven negotiations.
Borno: Boko Haram Targets Border Community
On September 3, Boko Haram fighters attacked Darul Jamal, a community near the Nigeria–Cameroon border in Borno State.
More than 80 people, including five soldiers, were killed during the assault.
The attack came shortly after residents had returned to the area following years of displacement.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force launched retaliatory air operations, which military sources said neutralized dozens of insurgents.
Plateau: Repeated Attacks Claim Over 150 Lives
Plateau State experienced repeated waves of violence throughout the year, with cumulative fatalities exceeding 150.
* January: Gunmen attacked Mangu town, killing around 30 residents.
* April: An assault on communities in the Bokko District left at least 53 people dead and forced thousands to flee.
* June: Coordinated attacks in Riyom Local Government Area resulted in at least 58 deaths and displaced an estimated 15,000 people.
Kebbi: School Raid Claims Educator’s Life
On November 17, bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Twenty-four students were abducted during the late-night raid.
The school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was killed while attempting to protect the students. Security agencies later secured the release of all abducted girls.
Kwara: Church Attack Shakes Worshippers
A day later, on November 18, attackers struck a Christ Apostolic Church branch in Eruku town, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
At least eight worshippers were killed, while several others—including the resident pastor—were taken away.
Footage circulated online showed gunmen firing during a church gathering before abducting dozens of attendees, an incident that heightened fear and reduced attendance at public events across the region.
Niger: Mass School Abduction Triggers National Outcry
On November 21, gunmen abducted 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
Witnesses said the attackers arrived in the early hours of the morning and moved systematically through the school.
Dozens of pupils managed to escape, while the remaining captives were released gradually after negotiations and security interventions.
By December 21, authorities confirmed that all abducted students and teachers had regained their freedom.
A Year That Tested National Security
From rural farming communities to schools and places of worship, the 2025 insecurity crisis spared few Nigerians.
The year ended with renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering, better protection of vulnerable institutions and a comprehensive approach to tackling the root causes of violence across the country.
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As Nigeria looks ahead, the events of 2025 remain a stark reminder of the urgency of restoring safety, rebuilding trust and preventing another year defined by fear and loss.
