Nigeria’s security situation continues to claim lives across different parts of the country, with killings, bandit attacks, terrorism, kidnappings and communal violence leaving families and communities dealing with loss and displacement.
At least 1,362 people were killed in 1,478 security incidents across Nigeria in June and July 2026, according to monthly security assessments by SARI Global, a security intelligence and risk analysis firm, Newsmaxng reports.
The report recorded 792 deaths from 882 security incidents in June, followed by another 570 deaths from 596 incidents in July.
The July report said 434 of the 570 deaths occurred in the armed-conflict category, which included banditry and communal attacks. Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna and Benue were among the states heavily affected, with rural communities and farmers repeatedly targeted.
Among the deadliest incidents recorded during the period was a July 1 clash in Niger State that reportedly claimed 40 lives, while an attack on a Kaduna village left 30 people dead. In Zamfara, 25 farmers were reportedly killed in a single attack on July 22.
The violence has continued into August.
Sokoto has been affected in recent weeks, with attacks and killings reported in several communities. In one recent incident, residents of Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area were attacked, with reports putting the death toll at 28.
At least 50 people, mostly children, died after an overloaded boat capsized near Gorau in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state on August 20. Reuters reported that many of those on board were travelling to farms for rice harvesting.
These situations and more have prompted growing criticism of the Federal Government and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Critics have questioned the government’s ability to protect citizens as attacks continue across the North-West, North-East, South-East and Middle Belt.
A recent country assessment proved also that poverty and insecurity had increased since Tinubu took office.
The issue is increasingly becoming part of the political conversation ahead of the 2027 general election.
In July, the National Christian Elders Forum criticised the Tinubu administration over what it described as failures in security, economic management and public welfare. The group called on Tinubu not to seek a second term and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct “free, fair and credible elections.”
On the other hand, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, has warned that the scale of insecurity across the country could threaten the conduct of free and fair elections in 2027.
“The scale of insecurity across various parts of the country presents a threat to the conduct of free and fair elections,” Amupitan said, calling for detailed security risk assessments ahead of the polls.
There are also political voices insisting on free, credible and fair 2027 election.
Read: 2027: The Future You Admire in Europe Can Be Built in Nigeria — Peter Obi Urges Youths to Vote
For ordinary Nigerians living in affected communities, however, the insecurity issue goes beyond politics.
It is about whether a farmer can reach his farm and return home safely. Whether a parent can send a child to school without fear of abduction. Whether families can travel between communities without worrying about armed attacks or kidnapping.
It is also about the thousands of people whose homes and livelihoods have been disrupted by violence.
With 1,362 deaths recorded in June and July alone, and fresh attacks and tragedies continuing into August, Nigerians have been urged by different bodies, institutes and individuals beyond oppositions, to vote their conscience, future, and lives in the 2027 election.
Will the country be safer after the polls in 2027?