May Violence Spikes in Nigeria: 279 Kidnapped, 842 Killed Nationwide

A report from the Nextier Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database shows that 279 people were kidnapped and 842 were killed during violent incidents across Nigeria in May 2026. Compared with May 2025, kidnappings rose by 19.7%, violent incidents jumped 51.5%, and deaths climbed 90.1%. The data highlights a sharp deterioration in national security. Members of the House of Representatives Minority Caucus say the government has yet to fully release the national budget for defence and security. They note that spending remains below 30%, hampering efforts against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping. Security experts and peace researchers are calling for stronger political will, better measurement of peacebuilding outcomes and more funding. They urge the president to shore up operations and hold perpetrators to account.

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