The first half of 2025 painted a grim picture of escalating insecurity in Nigeria, marked by a surge in attacks targeting both security personnel and civilians. Between January 2nd and May 13th, at least 152 security operatives, encompassing soldiers, police officers, and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, lost their lives in assaults perpetrated by non-state actors. This alarming figure, compiled from media reports and data provided by SBM Intelligence, a security think tank, highlights the increasing vulnerability of frontline personnel battling insecurity across the nation. Analysts caution that the actual casualty count may be significantly higher due to the inherent challenges in accurately reporting from volatile conflict zones. This loss of life represents a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing security crisis and the immense pressure faced by those tasked with protecting the country.
The violence, however, was not confined to security forces. Civilians bore a disproportionate brunt of the escalating conflict. According to a separate report by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, a staggering 4,702 civilians were killed, and a further 3,739 abducted between January 1st and April 30th, 2025. These figures, encompassing just four months, underscore the pervasive nature of the insecurity and its devastating impact on communities across Nigeria. The sheer scale of civilian casualties paints a bleak picture of a nation grappling with widespread violence and the apparent inability of security forces to effectively protect its citizens. The alarming number of abductions further highlights the vulnerability of the population and the harrowing experiences faced by those caught in the crossfire.
Several high-profile incidents throughout this period illustrate the persistent and evolving threats facing Nigeria’s security apparatus. These attacks ranged from ambushes and suicide bombings to direct assaults on military installations. In January, a series of attacks in Borno State, a known hotspot for Boko Haram and ISWAP activity, resulted in the deaths of numerous soldiers, including 27 in a devastating suicide bombing in Malam Fatori. The recurring nature of these attacks in Borno State, and the significant casualties inflicted, point to the persistent challenges posed by these insurgent groups and the difficulty in containing their operations. Further attacks in March and May, including the brutal decapitation of four soldiers in Yobe State, underscore the brutality of the violence and the psychological impact on both security forces and the wider population.
The repeated success of these attacks against security forces raises serious questions about Nigeria’s intelligence capabilities. Security analyst Oladele Fajana described the frequency and intensity of the assaults as “deeply troubling,” highlighting a critical need to overhaul the nation’s intelligence architecture. The ability of non-state actors to consistently target and inflict heavy casualties on security personnel, often at military bases, suggests a failure to anticipate and prevent these attacks. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and the ability of security forces to adapt to the evolving tactics employed by their adversaries. Fajana’s warning about the potential for catastrophic consequences if these vulnerabilities are not addressed underlines the urgent need for reform.
The sheer scale of civilian casualties has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. Dr. Kabir Adams, Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, described the four-month toll as alarming, questioning the performance of the current security sector leadership. He emphasized the need to hold accountable all 29 ministries, departments, and agencies involved in the security sector, arguing that the current focus on military chiefs overlooks the broader systemic issues contributing to the insecurity. Dr. Adams’ assertion that “public security is weak” while “the politics is strong” suggests that political considerations may be overshadowing the urgent need for effective security measures, further highlighting the complex interplay between security and governance in Nigeria.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Bola Tinubu, in May 2025, pledged decisive action. The induction of two Augusta A-109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force, presented as a turning point in the fight against terrorism, was intended to demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening the military’s rapid-response capabilities. However, experts remain skeptical, with some suggesting that the military is overstretched and would benefit from collaborating with private military contractors, particularly local PMCs, within a clearly defined strategic framework. Others, like security analyst Jackson Ojo, were more critical, accusing the Tinubu administration of lacking the political will to address the root causes of the insecurity. Ojo’s pointed criticism of the defense minister and his deputy for their lack of military experience, coupled with his call for improved troop welfare, highlights the perceived disconnect between the government’s rhetoric and the realities on the ground. The horrific incident in Zamfara, where bandits reportedly fed newborn twins to dogs, further fueled public outrage and underscores the urgent need for a more effective and comprehensive security strategy.
