Nigeria Experiences High Violent Death Toll
Between January and March 2025, at least 2,000 Nigerians lost their lives in various violent incidents across the nation, according to data compiled by SBM Intelligence. These fatalities resulted from attacks perpetrated by terrorists, armed robbers, bandits, and the Boko Haram sect. The casualties also include those from abductions, gang clashes, and military operations. SBM’s April chart reveals a concerning state of insecurity throughout Nigeria.
The data indicates that civilians were the most affected group, with 892 deaths. Additionally, the figure includes 462 bandits, 234 Boko Haram members, 119 vigilantes, 110 soldiers, and 24 policemen. The loss of security personnel is also significant, with at least 136 officers from the NSCDC, police, and army losing their lives during this period.
Borno state recorded the highest number of killings, with 515 reported deaths, closely followed by Zamfara with 408. Other states with high fatality rates include Katsina (155), Benue (101), and Niger (68). Even southern states, such as Anambra, Edo, and Ondo, which are typically more peaceful, reported between 58 and 63 deaths each, indicating a widespread increase in violence across the country.