Violence in Nigeria: 12,954 Lives Lost in 2025 as Insecurity Deepens

Data from Nigeria Watch’s 15th Report on Violence shows 12,954 violent deaths in 2025, up from 12,162 in 2024. In total, 222,137 people have been killed in 46,182 incidents across all 36 states and the FCT since 2006. Crime-related violence caused 47% of fatalities last year. Political and religious clashes accounted for 27%, and road accidents made up 13%. Insurgency and rural banditry drove a sharp escalation, with 3,974 deaths linked to bandit attacks and counter-operations. Borno State recorded the highest toll at 2,221 deaths, followed by Niger, Zamfara, Benue and Katsina. Ekiti was the safest with just 23 fatalities. Overall, 81% of violent deaths occurred in Northern Nigeria. The report also highlights rising kidnappings and farmers-herders conflicts. Kidnap-related deaths jumped to 747, while clashes between farmers and herders claimed 1,015 lives. Boko Haram and military operations together caused 2,454 fatalities, mostly in Borno State.

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