Nigeria records 835 security-related deaths in October -Report

At least 835 people were killed in 612 security incidents recorded across Nigeria in October 2026, according to a new report by security intelligence firm, SARI Global.

The report, which covered the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, also identified armed bandits and insurgents as the most frequent and deadliest actors during the period.

According to the report, security incidents increased by 14 per cent, while fatalities rose by 42 per cent compared to September 2026, when 535 incidents and 587 deaths were recorded.

It noted that non-state armed groups initiated 221 incidents and were linked to 480 deaths, compared to 218 incidents and 197 fatalities attributed to government-affiliated forces.

The report identified Zamfara as the state with the highest number of security incidents, recording 69 incidents and 137 deaths.

Borno State, however, recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 180 people killed in 51 incidents, largely linked to clashes between Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters and the military around Lake Chad.

Plateau followed with 65 incidents and 62 deaths, while Katsina recorded 37 incidents.

Other states among the top 10 included Kebbi with 27 incidents, Lagos and Sokoto with 22 each, Niger with 19, Rivers with 18 and Benue with 17.

The report highlighted the October 23 attack on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State as one of the deadliest incidents during the month.

It said armed men attacked a weekly market, a mosque and a local vigilante office, killing at least 62 people and injuring 52 others.

The report also raised concerns over increasing attacks on major roads in Zamfara, where bandits reportedly blocked the Gusau-Dansadau road, destroyed nine vehicles and imposed a N50 million levy on communities in Dansadau District.

It further documented the killing of Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, on October 26, an attack claimed by Ansaru.

Other incidents included the killing of a female non-governmental organisation worker in Sokoto, looting of an NGO health facility in Ngala, Borno State, and a raid on a Maiduguri compound housing seven United Nations national staff.

The security firm warned that the growing attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities were further shrinking the space for aid operations in affected communities.

It also reported 46 security incidents linked to political parties, campaigns and political thugs as activities surrounding the 2027 general elections gathered momentum.

SARI Global noted that the October figures reflected a worsening security situation, with armed groups increasingly responsible for both the frequency and severity of attacks across the country.