Summary of Nigeria's Security Situation in August 2025

September 5, 2025

Analysis of Nigeria's Social Security Situation in August 2025

Researcher No. 007

Based on the monitoring report of Hanwei International's security officers stationed in West Africa and comprehensive media reports, a total of 61 security incidents were recorded in Nigeria in August 2025. These incidents resulted in the deaths of 213 civilians and 29 military/police personnel, with at least 330 people abducted. The main types of security incidents included armed attacks and abductions, military clearance operations, and public safety accidents. Compared with the previous month, the number of security incidents increased by 6, the death toll decreased by 61, and the number of abductions increased by 175. Analysis shows that Nigeria's security situation deteriorated this month: armed attacks in Benue State (central Nigeria) rebounded, large-scale abduction incidents occurred frequently in Zamfara State (north-central Nigeria) and other regions, while floods, epidemics, and other disasters remained prevalent, causing heavy casualties and property losses. In August, the central, north-central, and northeastern parts of Nigeria faced extremely high security risks, while other regions were at medium to high risk levels.

I. Comprehensive Analysis of Security Incidents

Among the 61 security incidents in Nigeria in August:

29 were armed attacks, accounting for 47% of the total;
14 were armed abductions, accounting for 22%;
11 were public safety incidents, accounting for 18%;
1 was an ethnic conflict, accounting for 1.6%;
6 were military clearance operations, accounting for 9%.

In total, these incidents caused 359 deaths (including 213 civilians, 29 military/police personnel, and 117 neutralized terrorists) and at least 330 abductions. No demonstration-related security incidents were recorded this month. The overall security situation exhibited the following characteristics:

(I) Extremely High Security Risks in North-Central and Central Regions

In August, security incidents in Nigeria were mainly concentrated in Zamfara State (north-central Nigeria), as well as Benue State and Plateau State (central Nigeria). Meanwhile, Borno State (northeastern Nigeria) and Kaduna State, Katsina State, and Niger State (north-central Nigeria) were also high-risk areas.

Zamfara State (north-central Nigeria) had the highest security risk, with 10 security incidents (7 more than the previous month), mainly armed attacks and abductions, resulting in 34 deaths and 250 abductions.
Benue State (central Nigeria) followed, with 9 security incidents (8 more than the previous month), mainly armed attacks, causing 24 deaths.

Additionally, according to a monitoring report dated August 28 by Hanwei International's security officers in West Africa, the Nigerian criminal gang "Only Chance" has recently been rampant in areas such as the capital Abuja, Kaduna State, Niger State, Nasarawa State, and Kwara State, carrying out abductions, robberies, and other crimes. Multiple cases of abduction, injury, or death of foreign citizens have been reported. The gang typically lures victims by offering shared taxi rides. To lower passengers' vigilance, there are often female gang members posing as fellow passengers. Once foreign citizens board the vehicle, the gang carries out abductions, demanding high ransoms or even "killing the hostages" if demands are not met. Chinese-funded enterprises and citizens in Nigeria are advised to enhance security awareness, remain vigilant, implement safety precautions, reduce solo outings, and avoid taking local taxis as much as possible.

Figure 1: Distribution of Security Incidents in August

Chart 1: Statistics of Security Incidents in Major Regions in August

(II) Persistent High Frequency of Armed Attacks and Abductions

In August, Nigeria recorded 43 armed attacks and abductions, resulting in 242 deaths and at least 330 abductions. Compared with the previous month:

The number of incidents increased by 5;
The death toll increased by 45;
The number of abductions increased by 173.

Key incidents include:

From August 1 to 6: 4 consecutive armed attacks occurred in Benue State, killing 9 people. It is reported that the attacks were retaliation for the reporting of cattle theft by armed elements.
From August 2 to 8: 4 large-scale armed attacks and abductions took place in Zamfara State (northwestern Nigeria), resulting in 24 deaths and at least 141 abductions.
August 18: Armed elements attacked approximately 7 villages in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing 15 people, burning down multiple houses, and looting a large number of livestock.
August 19: A mosque and nearby residential buildings in the Unguwan-Mantau Community of Katsina State (northern Nigeria) were attacked by unidentified armed elements, killing at least 50 people and abducting about 60 others. On the same day, the armed elements broke into the mosque and opened fire on people participating in religious activities, then took dozens of people away from the scene.
August 23: Another armed attack and abduction occurred in the Bukuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, with approximately 100 people abducted. On that day, the armed elements, riding motorcycles, split into two groups to break into the village: one group stood guard at the main entrances and exits, while the other abducted villagers and looted livestock.

Relevant international organizations indicate that the greatest security threat to Nigeria currently comes from various terrorist groups. The International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), a human rights organization, recently stated that there are currently more than 22 terrorist organizations in Nigeria. These groups are mainly composed of foreign Islamic militants, aiming to eliminate Christians in Nigeria, and are primarily active in the southeastern, south-central, and north-central regions. According to a recent report released by Emeka Umeagbalasi, President of the international human rights organization, over the past 16 years, at least 1,100 Christian communities have been ransacked, approximately 500 Christian clergy have been attacked and abducted, and 11 have been killed.

(III) Multiple China-Related Incidents

Three China-related incidents occurred in Nigeria in August:

Repatriation of 60 Chinese citizens: On August 22, Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stated that Nigeria had repatriated 102 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese citizens and 39 Filipinos convicted of "cyber terrorism and cyber fraud". In accordance with the plea agreement, the court ruled that these individuals would be repatriated after serving their sentences.
Arrest of 1 Chinese citizen: On August 22, a Chinese citizen was arrested in Anambra State on charges of illegal mining.
Armed dispute involving a Chinese enterprise: On August 28, a conflict broke out between personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force at a quarry owned by a Chinese enterprise in Ebonyi State, resulting in the death of 1 police officer and injuries to 2 civilians. The conflict originated when an NSCDC police vehicle attempted to enter the quarry and was intercepted by the Civil Defence Corps, leading to a subsequent clash between the two sides.

(IV) Heavy Casualties from Public Safety Incidents

According to incomplete statistics, Nigeria experienced 3 major traffic accidents and 5 shipwrecks in August, resulting in 68 deaths. Meanwhile, floods remained severe in Nigeria in August: 198 local government areas across 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were at risk of flooding. Among them, floods in Adamawa State had killed 29 people, submerged houses, destroyed farmland, and cut off key transportation links between Dugwaba and surrounding settlements, as well as extending to the adjacent Yadur District.

In mid-August, Nigeria's National Flood Early Warning System Center issued a warning, identifying the following states as flood-prone: Ogun State, Lagos State, Anambra State, Delta State, Akwa Ibom State, Bauchi State, Ebonyi State, Cross River State, Nasarawa State, Benue State, Kaduna State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Kano State, Niger State, Plateau State, Taraba State, Jigawa State, Yobe State, Zamfara State, Sokoto State, Borno State, and Gombe State.

The public is advised to guard against natural disasters such as heavy rains, floods, landslides, and mudslides, as well as their secondary disasters, and avoid high-risk areas such as mountainous regions and low-lying flood-prone areas. Attention should also be paid to production safety: timely identify potential risks, strengthen safety protection measures for construction operations, and effectively ensure personal and property safety.

The latest forecast from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency shows that from August 28 to 31, floods may occur due to heavy rainfall in 8 states: Niger, Kogi, Benue, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Cross River, and Ebonyi. The meteorological department recommends that relevant regions strengthen flood prevention preparations to reduce losses in agriculture and transportation.

Chart 2: Classification Comparison of Security Incidents in August

Chart 3: Statistical Classification of Deaths in August

Chart 4: Comparison of the Number of Major Security Incidents Between August and July

II. Risk Early Warning and Prevention Suggestions

Chart 5: Recent Early Warning of Nigeria's Social Security Risks
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In view of Nigeria's complex social environment and high-risk security assessment, the following security measures are recommended:

Implement round-the-clock security services for travel: In remote rural areas of Nigeria, police resources are limited, road infrastructure is poor, and security forces often respond significantly slowly to violent crimes and riot incidents. Therefore, Chinese-funded enterprises and other entities should promptly obtain the latest local security intelligence, conduct specific security assessments of travel destinations, and arrange for security personnel to accompany them during trips.
Pay attention to flood prevention during the rainy season: Nigeria remained in a period of high flood risk in August, with floods in the central and eastern regions causing heavy casualties. Chinese enterprises and personnel stationed in Nigeria are reminded to monitor disaster developments, check early warning information released by local governments and meteorological departments in a timely manner, and avoid traveling to flood-prone areas. At the same time, make emergency preparations, exercise caution when traveling, improve emergency communication mechanisms, and contact the embassy or local rescue departments immediately in case of emergencies.
Effectively avoid risks: Most attacks in Nigeria occur in the northeastern and north-central regions, particularly in central Maiduguri (Borno State), roads connecting other major towns, areas bordering Niger, and Zamfara State. Recent security incidents have also occurred frequently in Kaduna State and Abuja. In the event of a terrorist attack, follow official instructions, contact the designated security service provider, and obtain timely assistance. Install video surveillance at residences, shops, warehouses, and living quarters; set up facilities such as trenches, high walls, barbed wire, anti-collision barriers, buffer zones, and alarms at camps; strengthen military and police security forces; and expand the defense scope. At the same time, avoid lingering near locations that may become targets of armed attacks, including government and security force facilities, landmarks, and religious sites.

In Nigeria, special efforts should be made to minimize the time spent in crowded public places such as:

Northeastern regions of Nigeria;
Religious festival venues;
Ethnically mixed areas;
High-crime areas (especially highways and pirate-active waters in the Gulf of Guinea);
Oil and gas facilities;
Government and military camp facilities;
Diplomatic embassies;
Religious places of worship;
Schools, markets, and refugee camps;
Public transportation hubs and their surrounding areas.

Nigeria Security Situation Overview for August 2025