No fewer than 53 security operatives have been killed across Nigeria in the last two weeks, underscoring a worsening wave of violent attacks targeting law enforcement officers and other frontline defenders of the country.
According to data compiled from Daily Trust, the victims include personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration and Customs officers, soldiers, vigilantes, and members of state-backed community watch groups. The killings occurred in Benue, Kogi, Zamfara, Borno, Edo, Kebbi, Enugu, and even parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
In Benue State, a joint security operation comprising Operation Zenda, the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, and the Special Intelligence Squad came under a deadly ambush in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. At least three police officers were confirmed dead, seven went missing, and an assistant superintendent of police was reportedly captured alive by gunmen. Several patrol vehicles were burnt while weapons were carted away.
In Kogi State, gunmen struck twice within days—first at a checkpoint in Abugi village, Lokoja Local Government Area, killing two police officers and a civilian, and then at Isanlu in Yagba East, where two policemen were shot dead.
Zamfara State also witnessed tragedy when five soldiers were ambushed and killed while on patrol. In Edo State, eight NSCDC personnel were brutally murdered near the BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, Etsako East. Similarly, in Borno State, two immigration officers lost their lives in Monguno Local Government Area following an attack linked to Boko Haram insurgents.
Security experts warn that these targeted assaults on security formations and operatives reflect an emboldened network of criminal groups. Beyond the loss of lives, the attackers often seize weapons, destroy vehicles, and leave communities more vulnerable.
Authorities have begun responding to the crisis. The Department of State Services (DSS) recently arraigned nine suspects for alleged involvement in killings in Benue and Plateau States. Six suspects have also been arrested in connection with the Katsina-Ala ambush and are currently assisting investigations. The Inspector General of Police has ordered the deployment of additional tactical units to troubled areas and urged citizens to support security agencies with timely intelligence.
However, the figures released may not reflect the full scale of the crisis. Analysts fear the actual death toll could be higher as many incidents, especially in remote communities, remain unreported.
The rising fatalities among Nigeria’s security forces highlight not only the fragility of the nation’s internal security but also the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and coordinated responses to protect both operatives and civilians from the growing wave of violence.