A comprehensive security report reveals that between May 31 and December 24, 2023, Nigeria experienced 4,258 incidents of insecurity across 573 local government areas (LGAs). The data, compiled by indigenous security firm Beacon Consulting, highlights the impact of non-state actors, resulting in 5,691 fatalities and 2,719 kidnappings during this period. The military successfully rescued 721 of the kidnapped victims.
Breaking down the incidents on a monthly basis, the report indicates that May saw 13 fatalities, four kidnappings, and six injuries. In June, 854 lives were lost, 239 were kidnapped, and 158 sustained injuries. July recorded 597 fatalities, 330 kidnappings, and 140 injuries caused by non-state actors.
August witnessed 615 deaths, 369 kidnappings, and 215 injuries, while September reported 594 fatalities, 348 abductions, and 217 injuries. October recorded 1,164 deaths, 518 kidnappings, and 584 injuries. November saw 1,309 lives lost, 464 kidnappings, and 334 injuries. Up to December 24, at least 545 people were killed, 434 were kidnapped, and 248 sustained injuries.
In response, the military conducted operations rescuing a total of 1,987 kidnapped citizens between June and December 24, 2023. This included 721 rescues between June and August, and an additional 228, 127, 412, and 499 rescues from September to December 24.
Security expert Jackson Ojo emphasized the need for economic improvement to address the root causes of insecurity. Ojo stated that the issue had been inherited, linking it to economic hardship and poverty. He stressed the importance of political will to combat criminality effectively, emphasizing the role of security agencies in maintaining national security.
