Nigeria recorded a wave of deadly attacks across the country in 2025, with terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements killing more than 2,200 citizens within the first half of the year.
Findings show a sharp escalation of insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, as well as rising communal violence in parts of the Middle Belt and South-South.
The situation worsened toward the end of the year, with no fewer than 82 people reportedly killed in December alone.
According to Daily Post, more than two million Nigerians were abducted in 2025 for ransom or alleged organ harvesting, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions.
Yelewata massacre shocks Benue
One of the deadliest attacks occurred on June 13, 2025, when armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen stormed the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Nearly 200 unarmed farmers and traders were massacred in a single night, plunging the country into mourning.
Earlier the same day, police reportedly repelled an attempt by the attackers to invade St. Joseph’s Church, where about 700 internally displaced persons were taking refuge.
However, the assailants later attacked the Yelewata market square, setting ablaze a building housing displaced persons before opening fire on an area where more than 500 people were asleep.
Several women and children were reportedly burnt alive in the attack.
Zamfara: 40 abductees killed despite ransom
In Zamfara State, at least 40 abducted villagers were killed by bandits on July 27, despite ransom payments made for their release.
The victims were among 56 people kidnapped in March from Banga village in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area.
The abductors reportedly demanded one million naira per captive. While 16 victims were eventually released, the remaining abductees, including pregnant women, were killed.
Boko Haram strikes Borno border community
On September 3, fighters of Boko Haram attacked Darul Jamal community, located near the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Borno State.
The attack left over 80 people dead, including five soldiers stationed at a nearby military base.
The assault occurred shortly after residents returned to the village following years of displacement.
The Nigerian Air Force later carried out air strikes that reportedly killed at least 30 of the attackers.
Plateau records over 150 deaths
Plateau State recorded no fewer than 150 deaths from multiple attacks in 2025.
In January, gunmen attacked Mangu town, killing about 30 residents.
Another attack in April on the Bokko District claimed at least 53 lives and displaced over 2,000 people.
In June, several communities in Riyom Local Government Area were attacked, leaving at least 58 people dead and displacing about 15,000 residents.
Bandits raid Kebbi school
On November 17, bandits attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The attackers abducted 24 schoolgirls during the late-night raid.
The school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was killed while reportedly attempting to protect the students.
All 24 abducted students were later released following intervention by security agencies.
Worshippers killed in Kwara church attack
Terrorists also struck in Kwara State on November 18, attacking a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku town, Ekiti Local Government Area.
At least eight worshippers were killed, while several others, including the resident pastor, were abducted.
A video of the attack showed the assailants opening fire during a church meeting and whisking more than 50 people away, triggering nationwide fear and reduced attendance at public gatherings.
Niger school abduction sparks outrage
Another major incident occurred on November 21, when gunmen abducted 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
The attackers arrived on motorcycles around 2:00 a.m., moving from dormitory to dormitory before leading their captives into nearby forests.
The abduction triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over school safety nationwide.
Fifty pupils reportedly escaped during the attack, while the remaining victims were later released in batches. All abducted students and teachers regained their freedom by December 21.