Despite repeated assurances by Nigeria’s security chiefs that insurgency and banditry are under control, fresh evidence suggests otherwise, as killings, kidnappings, and attacks continue unabated across the country.
From the North-West to the North-East, North-Central to the South-South, both civilians and security personnel remain targets of violent nonstate actors, underscoring the widening scope of insecurity. The Managing Director of Beacon Security & Intelligence Ltd, Dr. Kabir Adamu, citing data tracked by his firm, painted a grim picture of the situation.
“Within the first three months of the year, 2,350 people were killed in the country between January 10 and March 31. We recorded 1,117 abductions within that period those are just the reported cases. I believe the actual figures are higher,” he said.
Findings by the Sunday Telegraph across several states corroborate this trend, revealing a country grappling with persistent and in some areas, escalating insecurity.
Edo emerges as a kidnapping hotspot
Edo State has rapidly evolved into one of Nigeria’s kidnapping epicentres, with a surge in abductions, killings, and multi-million-Naira ransom demands recorded in recent months. Kidnapping has increasingly become a lucrative criminal enterprise, with families forced to raise staggering sums for ransom often with tragic outcomes.
Recent incidents highlight the scale of the crisis: On January 2, 2026, medical doctor Ibrahim Tahir and his brother were abducted in Auchi. While Dr. Tahir regained freedom after a ₦50 million ransom payment, his brother was killed. On January 10, gunmen abducted eight hotel guests in Akoko-Edo LGA, demanding ₦100 million.
On February 2, nine family members were kidnapped along Benin-Akure Road, with a ransom demand of ₦260 million. Four victims remain in captivity. In another chilling incident, gunmen disguised in military uniforms attacked a commercial bus along the Lagos-Benin Highway, killing the driver and abducting passengers.
Reacting, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said: “Eyewitnesses reported that the suspects wore military uniforms. I am not saying they are soldiers, but they said the attackers wore army camouflage.” She added that one victim had been rescued: “Apart from the woman rescued with gunshot injuries, no other person has been found, but we are closing in on them.
I cannot disclose operational details for security reasons.” The state government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has introduced measures including strengthening vigilante operations, deploying logistics, and amending antikidnapping laws. However, residents insist abductions remain a daily threat.
Kwara: Communities under siege
In Kwara State, insecurity is worsening, particularly in Ifelodun, Kaiama, Edu, and Patigi LGAs, where bandit attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling have displaced residents and crippled rural life. On March 23, 2026, bandits attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA, killing about 170 residents and abducting several others.
Barely a month later, another attack in the Kemanji community left three soldiers dead after a fierce gun battle. The village head, Alhaji Sanni Zikki, recounted the incident: “The bandits came from the Kainji National Park axis and attacked our security men. We lost three soldiers.
There were heavy gunshots everywhere—it was intense, but the security forces tried their best.” Residents describe a climate of fear and displacement. A local source lamented: “The entire community is in panic. Many villagers have fled, and the number of victims is still unclear.” Elsewhere in the state, kidnappers have demanded as much as ₦1 billion for abducted worshippers, highlighting the growing audacity of criminal groups.
Ondo intensifies joint security operations
In Ondo State, authorities have adopted a more coordinated approach, launching joint patrols, enforcing curfews, and conducting forest combing operations. Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the operations are ongoing. “This is a deliberate and continuous operation.
The message is clear, there is no haven for criminals in Ondo State.” Residents say the efforts are yielding results. A farmer, Rotimi Adeyanju, noted, “We can now go to our farms safely. Seeing security operatives gives us confidence.”
Zamfara villagers decry continued attacks
In Zamfara State, residents say government assurances have yet to translate into safety. A resident, Amadu Akwai, criticised security operations: “Troops attack bandit enclaves once and leave without follow-up.
The bandits return and retaliate against innocent communities.” He also raised concerns about trust. “When we provide information, our identities are leaked. That makes us targets. People are now afraid to speak.”
Northeast: Renewed Boko Haram attacks
In the North-East, renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents particularly in Borno State have heightened tensions. Recent incidents include the killing of senior military officers and the abduction of over 400 women and children in Gwoza LGA. President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to intensify operations, while the Chief of Defence Staff urged troops to take the offensive.
“Take the fight to the terrorists and do not wait for orders before engaging,” he reportedly told troops. Military operations under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded some successes, including the destruction of insurgent logistics hubs and the killing of dozens of fighters.
Kaduna, Imo, Sokoto: Persistent threats
In Kaduna State, kidnappers have demanded ₦1 billion ransom for abducted worshippers, triggering outrage. In Imo, a resurgence of criminal gangs has reversed earlier gains made by security agencies, while in Sokoto’s Wurno LGA, residents say attacks have become a near daily occurrence.
