Nigeria's Police Force Faces Deadly Year with 45 Officers Killed in Nationwide Attacks
The Nigeria Police Force endured a devastating period of violence over the past year, with armed groups, terrorists, and mobs repeatedly targeting police stations, checkpoints, and patrol teams across the country. Security reports indicate that at least 45 police officers lost their lives in attacks spanning multiple states, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in law enforcement operations and emboldening criminal networks nationwide.
Nationwide Attacks Expose Security Vulnerabilities
Nigeria's internal security crisis intensified dramatically as repeated assaults on police formations claimed dozens of lives. According to detailed reports, the attacks occurred across Borno, Kwara, Enugu, Kano, Zamfara, and numerous other states, painting a grim picture of the challenges facing law enforcement agencies. Security experts have pointed to these incidents as evidence of weak operational capacity and the increasing boldness of armed groups operating throughout the country.
Boko Haram and Bandit Violence Targets Police Formations
The violence began early in the year with Boko Haram fighters attacking the Divisional Police Station at Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State on January 8, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two policemen. Later that year, on July 2025, armed bandits stormed a Police Mobile Force station and joint security post in Gwarin Ganuwa village, Zamfara State, killing Inspector Abubakar Mohammed alongside several members of the Civilian Joint Task Force despite resistance from security personnel.
In Kwara State, gunmen attacked a mining site at Oreke-Okeigbo on June 4, 2025, killing Assistant Superintendent of Police Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah. The violence continued on August 8, 2025, when bandits struck at Babanla community, leaving five people dead including Inspector Adejumo Wasiu.
Mob Violence and Targeted Killings Escalate Crisis
Mob actions contributed significantly to the security crisis throughout the year. In February 2025, irate youths set ablaze the Ifon Police Station in Ondo State. On May 25, 2025, the Divisional Police Officer of Rano Police Division in Kano State was killed by a mob following the death of a man in custody. Another mob attacked the Garko Divisional Police Headquarters in Kano in September 2025, vandalizing the station and injuring three officers.
Constable Akpa Emmanuel was killed on March 24, 2025, when gunmen attacked the Awgu Divisional Police Headquarters in Enugu State. In October 2025, gunmen stormed the Zonkwa Divisional Police Headquarters in Kaduna State, killing two officers and freeing detainees before being repelled by security forces.
Checkpoint Ambushes Claim Multiple Officer Lives
Police checkpoints became frequent targets for armed groups across multiple states. On September 10, 2025, three officers were killed at a checkpoint on Egbe-Okoloke Road in Kogi State. Days later, on September 21, two officers were killed at Ilafin Road in Isanlu Local Government Area, while on September 22, a sergeant was shot dead at Tella town in Taraba State.
On October 17, 2025, bandits attacked a checkpoint at Gidan Giye village in Zamfara, killing five officers and members of the community protection guards. In Kebbi State, two officers were killed on September 10, 2025, when suspected Lakurawa terrorists attacked a patrol team at Natsini Corner in Augie Local Government Area, reportedly pursuing the officers into the bush before killing them.
Violence Continues into 2026 with New Attacks
The deadly pattern continued into 2026, with terrorists attacking the divisional police station in Agwara town, Niger State, on February 1. The assailants kidnapped six people and burned the station, with the Niger State Police Command confirming that dynamite was used in the assault.
Security Analysts Highlight Systemic Vulnerabilities
Security analysts have emphasized that these incidents underscore the fragility of Nigeria's policing system. They argue that the killings reveal weak operational capacity and have emboldened criminal groups operating throughout the country. The attacks, spanning Borno, Kwara, Enugu, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Kogi, Taraba, Benue, and other states, demonstrate the extensive challenges facing law enforcement agencies.
The violence has exposed critical vulnerabilities in police formations nationwide, with security experts warning that without significant improvements in operational capacity and resource allocation, Nigeria's law enforcement agencies will continue to face severe threats from armed groups, terrorists, and mob violence across multiple regions.
