September 2024 marked another grim chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insecurity and violence. At least 503 killings were recorded during the month, a marginal increase from the 501 deaths reported in August. While security forces made commendable efforts, the persistent bloodshed reveals significant gaps in current strategies. These events underscore the urgent need for a more coordinated and sustainable approach to safeguarding vulnerable communities and restoring peace.
Casualty Overview
Yobe State recorded the highest casualties, with Tarmuwa LGA at the epicentre. The serene Mafa community recently resettled on assurances of safety, was devastated by a dawn attack during morning prayers. ISWAP militants killed at least 170 people, torched homes, and destroyed livelihoods after extortion demands went unmet. The incident exposed the fragility of local security guarantees and deepened mistrust between residents and authorities.
In Plateau State, violence took a different form. Armed assailants targeted Angwa and Zarap villages in Bokkos LGA, claiming eight lives, including a peacekeeper, Kenneth Kadish. Elsewhere, bandits ambushed travelers in Mbar community, killing five, and raided Tarangol, Daffo, and Bargesh communities, leaving at least 11 dead. Locals fear these attacks aim to displace them from ancestral lands, exacerbating already fraught ethnic and territorial tensions.
In Eguma village, Benue State, herdsmen launched a violent assault, killing nine people, including two soldiers and the village head. The attack, which erupted during a firefight with security forces, highlights the ongoing conflict over land and resources in the region.
In Rivers State, a leadership dispute during the Eastern Zonal election of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) turned violent, resulting in at least 12 fatalities. Rival factions armed with guns and machetes clashed in Port Harcourt, a stark reminder of the socio-political tensions simmering beneath the surface in the South-South.
Other casualties were reported in Anambra (5), Kaduna (3), Sokoto (3), and Ogun (2), further illustrating the widespread nature of the insecurity.
Security Operations
September saw significant strides in security operations. In Zamfara State, security forces conducted a successful ambush in Mayanchi village, neutralizing at least 37 insurgents, including the notorious Kachallah Buzu. The operation disrupted the group’s activities by seizing 30 motorcycles and a large cache of weapons.
In Borno State, joint security forces carried out multiple operations under Operation Hadin Kai and other initiatives, eliminating at least 34 insurgents in hotspots like Sambisa Forest (6), Boroso village (4), and Malam Fatori (3). These operations targeted insurgents’ strongholds, significantly weakening their operational capacity in the area.
In Kaduna, special forces acted on intelligence to ambush insurgents in Igabi LGA, neutralizing Mustapha Abdullahi, a known terrorist leader, and five associates. A high-profile raid also disrupted a secret meeting of insurgent leaders, resulting in significant casualties. In separate operations in Birnin Gwari and Giwa LGA, at least 4 bandits were neutralized, and 20 kidnapped individuals were rescued, offering a glimmer of hope amid the month’s grim realities.
Katsina State saw the elimination of at least 12 insurgents, including Sani Wala Burki, a notorious bandit leader, signaling progress in weakening criminal networks.
However, these successes came at a cost. At least 9 soldiers, 8 police officers, and 2 vigilantes lost their lives in insurgent ambushes. .
Abductions
Abductions decreased to 277 cases in September, a 27.5% drop from August’s 387. However, the North-West remains a hotspot, with Katsina State recording the highest number (113).
In Kaduna, bandits abducted 58 individuals, including 22 during a raid on Mani village in Chikun LGA. In another attack, a pastor and at least 30 congregants were kidnapped in Kajuru LGA, where three other persons were reported killed.
In Sokoto, 21 people were abducted in Goronyo LGA, while in Zamfara, bandits intercepted 12 travelers along the Gusau-Funtua highway, further showcasing the audacity of criminal groups.
In Rivers State, sea pirates abducted at least 10 passengers along the Bonny-Port Harcourt waterway, heightening fears about maritime insecurity.
While operations in Giwa LGA, Kaduna, led to some rescues, most victims remain in captivity, prolonging families’ anguish and uncertainty.
Looking Ahead
The persistent violence and insecurity observed in September 2024 highlights the need for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s approach to national security. Beyond military responses, a holistic, human-centered strategy is essential. This includes integrating some principles of the UN’s human security framework, which prioritizes the protection of lives, livelihoods, and community resilience.
Recommendations
Establish community-centric security models based on local intelligence and early warning systems to improve trust and responsiveness in high-risk areas.
Deploy rural security task forces, equipped with modern tools like drones and enhanced communication systems, to safeguard agricultural zones and economic hubs.
Rebuild social and economic structures by partnering with NGOs and the private sector to rehabilitate displaced populations and restore essential services.
Promote long-term stability through investments in education, healthcare, and vocational training, empowering vulnerable communities and addressing root causes of insecurity.
By adopting a comprehensive strategy, Nigeria can move beyond reactive measures and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace and national resilience.