Nigeria Sees Over 2,200 Civilian Deaths in First Half of 2025 Amid Escalating Violence

Abuja, Nigeria – Civilian casualties in Nigeria have surged dramatically, with over 2,266 individuals killed by bandits and insurgents in the first six months of 2025 alone. This figure surpasses the total number of such deaths recorded throughout all of 2024, highlighting a rapidly deteriorating security situation across the nation. The grim reality prompted public figures to voice their concerns, with Marcus Walker stating on social media, "The martyrdom of our Nigerian brothers and sisters is terrible to watch."

The escalating violence is primarily attributed to the persistent activities of armed bandit groups, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). These non-state armed groups continue to perpetrate widespread atrocities, including mass killings, kidnappings, and extortion, particularly in the North-West, North-Central, and North-East regions. Millions of Nigerians, predominantly women and children, are facing a severe humanitarian emergency, requiring urgent assistance.

Recent incidents underscore the scale of the crisis, with reports of at least 580 civilians, mainly women and girls, kidnapped across several states in 2024. In January 2025, over 30 people were killed in clashes between herder and farmer communities in Plateau State, while a reprisal attack in Kogi State in April claimed at least 21 lives. The resurgence of female suicide bombings, such as the one in Gwoza, Borno State, in June 2024 that killed 32, further complicates the security landscape.

Beyond insurgent attacks, Nigeria's security forces have also faced scrutiny for alleged human rights violations. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been examining claims of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both armed extremist groups and Nigerian security personnel. Reports indicate instances of excessive force, extrajudicial killings, and erroneous airstrikes that have resulted in civilian casualties, raising concerns about accountability and justice.

The multifaceted crisis is exacerbated by deep-seated issues including economic hardship, with inflation exceeding 34% by June 2024, and ongoing farmer-herder conflicts driven by competition over scarce resources. Despite efforts by the Nigerian government and the Multinational Joint Task Force, the expansion of armed groups' operational areas and their increasing sophistication pose significant challenges to restoring peace and stability.