Nigeria recorded a series of deadly attacks by terrorists across the country in 2025, leading to the killing of over 2,200 unsuspecting citizens in just the first half of the year.

There was a sharp increase in insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, with significant rise in communal clashes in the middle-belt and parts of the South-South regions.

The attacks and killings deteriorated in the last quarter of the year with about 82 persons reportedly killed in December alone.

Bandits kill 40 in Zamfara

At least 40 people abducted from a village in Zamfara state were on July 27 killed by their abductors despite ransoms being paid for their release.

The assailants had in March abducted about 56 people from Banga village, Kauran Namoda local government area and subsequently demanded a ransom of one million naira per captive.

However, despite the ransom paid, the gunmen released about 16 and slaughtered others, including pregnant women.

Boko Haram kills over 80 in Borno

Boko Haram fighters on September 3, attacked the Darul Jamal community, home to a military base on the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Borno State, killing over 80 persons including five soldiers.

The deadly attack occurred in the village, a few days after residents returned to their ancestral homes following years of displacement.

According to reports, operatives of the Nigerian Air Force also killed at least 30 of the militants in several air strikes after receiving reports of the raid on the village.

Over 150 killed in Plateau

No fewer than 150 innocent citizens were gruesomely murdered in different parts of Plateau State this year.

In January, terrorists attacked popular Mangu town and killed about 30 residents.

In April, the criminal elements launched another deadly attack in the Bokko District in Plateau State, killing about 53 people while more than 2000 others were displaced.

Similarly, in June, terrorists attacked several communities in the Riyom Local Government Area of the state, killing at least 58 people while about 15,000 others were displaced.

Bandits attack Kebbi School, kidnap 24 schoolgirls

On 17 November, the daredevil bandits attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, GGCSS, Maga in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, abducting about 24 students.

The late-night assault left the vice principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, dead after he reportedly attempted to shield students from the attackers.

The bloodthirsty criminals invaded the school unhindered, unleashing terror on the schoolgirls, throwing the community into trauma.

The Federal Government has, however, secured the release of 24 of the students.

Attack on Kwara CAC Church

On November 18, terrorists invaded a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, in Eruku town, under Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing at least eight worshippers and abducting several others, including the resident pastor.

A video clip that captured the ugly incident, revealed when the attackers invaded the church during a meeting and immediately opened fire on the innocent citizens.

While some were gunned down, over 50 others were whisked to an unknown destination.

The incident caused panic across the country, with many Nigerians avoiding public gatherings over fear of attacks.

Terrorists abduct over 300 students in Niger Catholic School

A total of 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were on November 21, abducted by gunmen during an attack on St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

Ekwutosblog  reports that the incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools nationwide.

The attackers reportedly stormed the boarding school on motorcycles at about 2:00 a.m.

They moved systematically from one dormitory to another before marching their captives into nearby forests.

Days after the attack, the Christian Association of Nigeria disclosed that 50 of the children escaped during the raid, while scores of others were taken away.

All the victims have been released, according to reports that emerged on Sunday, December 21.

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified the rationale behind the recent visa restrictions imposed on Nigerians, emphasizing that the measures are part of broader security protocols rather than targeted actions against Nigerian citizens.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday in Abuja during the visit of a U.S. Congressional Delegation, CODEL, Mills explained that the restrictions are intended to strengthen security procedures and ensure thorough vetting for visa applicants.

“The presidential proclamation, effective January 1, 2026, affecting certain visa categories, is aimed at ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalizing Nigerians,” Mills said.

He noted that the proclamation specifies which visa categories may be impacted and highlights exemptions for select groups, including holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes.

The ambassador advised visa applicants and the public to consult the U.S. Embassy’s official website for comprehensive details on the proclamation, the affected visa categories, and available exemptions.

He also encouraged those with specific questions to use the embassy’s designated communication channels for guidance.

Also addressing the press, U.S. Congressman and leader of the delegation, Bill Huizenga, stated that visa reviews and restrictions are standard procedures designed to encourage compliance and cooperation, rather than punitive measures targeting citizens.

Huizenga added that such measures primarily focus on government systems and processes and are routinely applied in different countries worldwide.

A South African court on Thursday remanded four National Traffic Police officers accused of killing a Nigerian motorist, Osinakachukwu Onu.

Ekwutosblog Metro learnt on Sunday, from a report by South African news outlet Independent Online, that the officers were denied bail by the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court.

The officers were identified as Inspector Rudolph Foromo, 29; Inspector Smanga Dladla, 31; Inspector Colani Senzo Dlamini, 34; and Inspector Vusumuzi Justice Simelane, 36.

Although the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were detailed in the report, the officers were believed to have been on official duty at the time of the incident.

The suspects allegedly fled the scene shortly after the shooting but were later tracked down and arrested by police.

An IOL report, earlier carried by Ekwutosblog on Friday, disclosed that Klerksdorp detectives arrested the four officers on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice following the death of the 37-year-old Nigerian.

According to the report, police said they were alerted to the incident and responded to the scene, where they discovered that the traffic officers involved had already left.

Onu, who was reportedly in South Africa legally, was said to have been chased by the four traffic officers while they were conducting an operation.

“Preliminary investigations led detectives to a location in Klerksdorp, where the suspects were traced,” the police said.

The officers’ official firearms were seized and are expected to undergo forensic ballistic analysis as part of ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrests and commended Klerksdorp detectives for what he described as a “swift and effective response.”

He also thanked members of the public who provided information that aided the arrests and urged communities to continue cooperating with law enforcement to combat crime.

The killing adds to a growing list of reported cases of Nigerians being killed in South Africa.

In July, Ekwutosblog reported the brutal killing of two Nigerians, identified simply as Austin and Ayo, who were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Durban.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, July 9, when three masked gunmen stormed Austin’s office at about 8 pm and shot the two men dead on the spot.