Security update in Nigeria

Here's a brief story on what's happening across the country

1. Counter terrorism- US -Nigeria joint wins 

ISIS leader killed: US Secretary of state Marco Rubio confirmed joint US-Nigeria operation a few weeks ago took out the number 2 leader of global ISIS operating from inside Nigeria. 

2. Banditry and Kidnapping: Hotspot active. 

Oyo state: May 15 attack on 3 schools in Oriire LGA still ongoing. 46 students/Teachers abducted. FG deployed 1,000 forest guards with rescue team. Oyo Assembly rejected negotiations with bandits. Furthermore, immigration office in Ogbomoso was attacked by gun men as at June 3 and several fire arms was carted away.

Northwest Attacks:

Zamfara: 7 polytechnic students abducted from Kaura Namoda off campus hostel.

Sokoto: Bandit killed 37 people in 2 days at Dangulbi village Tureta LGA. They attacked mourners of the first 17 victims then burned the village.

Sokoto police: Foiled attack and recovered 25 rustled cattle and no casualties was recorded.

Katsina. Army ambushed bandits killed 3, recovered AK 47 and motorcycle.

North Central: 

Kwara: Emir’s palace in Yashikira set ablaze Sunday night, residents abducted. 3 worshippers killed and 15 abducted at Ikiran vigil Saturday. Army Chief ordered fresh offensive in Kwara/Niger/Kogi.

‎Kogi/Kwara border: Army denies report that bandits seized 6 machine guns alongside 30k ammo from troops in Obanla  village.

‎Northeast: Operation Hadin Kai repelled incursions in Borno’s Kirawa-Pulka/Ngoshe corridors. 92 civilians rescued near Buratai in May joint op.

‎‎3. High-profile kidnapping

‎Retired Major Gen Rabe Abubakar and wife were abducted May 30 on Matazu-Katsina road. Bandit leader Kachallah Muhammad contacted family demanding release of his gang members. Defence HQ says troops are “working round the clock” on rescue. Alongside a viral video of the Gen and his wife pleading to the Fed Gov for their release.

4. Govt and Public Response

‎FG stance: Information Minister Idris says Tinubu’s strategy is “intelligence-driven” with overhaul including state policing. 2026 Budget tagged “Budget of Consolidation” prioritizes security with accountability

‎CAN: Declared June 12-14 national mourning and June 14 “Black Sunday” in churches over killings/kidnappings. Demanded national security emergency

‎SERAP: Urged UN Secretary-General to invoke Article 99 and bring Nigeria’s insecurity to UN Security Council

‎US position: Rubio said US is “actively cooperating” and will continue support. US travel advisory still Level 3 “Reconsider Travel”, with many states Level 4 “Do Not Travel” 

‎5. False alarms

‎Lagos Govt and Police debunked viral claims of bandit attacks in Eleko/Imota June 2-3. No attacks confirmed, schools operated normally.

Security forces are recording tactical wins vs ISWAP/Boko Haram in Borno and bandits in Katsina/Sokoto/Bauchi. But kidnappings, school attacks, and community raids are still frequent in North West and North Central. FG is pushing intelligence-led ops + state policing, while pressure mounts for emergency declaration.