As 2025 unfolds, a wave of violent attacks by terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements has ignited widespread fear and instability across Nigeria.
In just the first week of January, over 78 individuals have been killed, and 80 others kidnapped, according to multiple reports.
These brazen assaults have left civilians and security operatives reeling and raised urgent questions about national security.
On January 4, terrorists launched a devastating assault on a military base in Sabon Gari, Dambo Local Government Area (LGA).
The attack claimed the lives of eight soldiers, marking one of the deadliest incidents of the year’s first week.
The same day, bandits struck Natsini village in Argungu LGA, killing two civilians. Nafiu Abubakar, the spokesperson for Kebbi Police Command, confirmed the attack.
In a separate incident over the weekend, gunmen believed to belong to the Lakurawa terrorist group killed two Airtel staff and a local resident in Gumki village, Arewa LGA, targeting a surveillance mast installation.
Between January 2 and January 4, bandits wreaked havoc in Charanci, Safana, Kurfi, and Kaita LGAs, murdering over 30 individuals.
READ ALSO: 21 killed in bandits attack on Baure village in Katsina
Among the victims were villagers ambushed while returning from a condolence visit in Batsari LGA. Additionally, the Katsina State Acting Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Amadu Surajo, and three others were killed in Mai Rana village, Kusada LGA, on January 5.
In the Umuokanne area, three people were killed in an attack, followed shortly by a more extensive assault in Orsu LGA. At least 18 individuals lost their lives in the Orsu attack, which spanned multiple communities, forcing residents to flee.
Benue faced the tragic killing of farmer Terzungwe Shaku, who was abducted for weeks despite a ransom payment of N5.4 million.
Governor Hyacinth Alia revealed that over 1,000 households have been displaced due to escalating violence, with 500,182 displaced persons now sheltering across 26 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.
On January 9, gunmen ambushed three buses on the Enugu-Ezike-Kogi road, abducting over 33 passengers, including three soldiers.
Days earlier, two Catholic reverend sisters were kidnapped in Anambra State while returning from a vocational meeting.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed alarm about the migration of bandits from the North-West to the South-West.
He disclosed intensified border patrols and collaborations among police, Amotekun, and military forces to counter the threat.
Governor Alia of Benue highlighted the dire conditions in IDP camps, where displaced individuals struggle with inadequate shelter, sanitation, and healthcare services.
READ ALSO: Bandits abduct over 50 women, girls in Zamfara State midnight raid
Security analyst Elder Ben Okezie advocated for the establishment of state police to combat these challenges.
“Decentralizing law enforcement will enable local officers, who understand the terrain, to respond effectively,” Okezie said. He also noted that state police could create employment opportunities, reducing crime driven by joblessness.
The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, called for a regional meeting among South-West governors to strategize on expelling criminal elements from the region.
Ajayi emphasized the importance of including traditional rulers and local vigilantes in security planning.
The surge in attacks underscores the urgent need for innovative and collaborative approaches to national security. With thousands displaced and communities under siege, Nigerians are calling on the government to act decisively to restore peace and stability.
Security experts and regional leaders continue to push for reforms, including the establishment of state police, as a long-term solution to this escalating crisis.