Security challenges remain one of Nigeria’s biggest problems, with various forms of violence continuing to affect the country. These include attacks by jihadist groups, bandits and kidnappers seeking ransom, as well as conflicts between farmers and herders.
Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, a firm that monitors security developments in Nigeria and the Sahel region, says the country recorded a slight improvement in security in 2025 compared to 2024. In its annual report, the company noted a reduction in the number of people killed and kidnapped by bandits compared to the previous year.
The report ranked Nigerian states based on two major security indicators: killings and kidnappings for ransom. Based on these factors, Beacon Security identified five states that were most affected by insecurity in 2025.
Zamfara State
Zamfara, in north-west Nigeria, topped the list. According to the report, 2,499 people were kidnapped and 1,534 killed in the state in 2025. It recorded the highest number of kidnappings in the country. Zamfara is also known as a stronghold for notorious bandit leaders such as Bello Turji.
Katsina State
Katsina ranked second. Beacon Security reported that 911 people were killed and 1,468 kidnapped in the state. Katsina continues to struggle with bandit attacks and mass kidnappings for ransom. Some local governments attempted dialogue with bandits in 2025 as part of efforts to restore peace.
Niger State
Niger State, in north-central Nigeria, ranked third. The report said 1,400 people were killed and 838 kidnapped in 2025. The state witnessed one of the largest mass kidnappings of the year, when at least 300 students of St. Mary’s School in Papiri were abducted, though they were later released. This came shortly after the abduction of 25 female students in neighbouring Kebbi State.
Borno State
Borno State ranked fourth and recorded the highest number of killings nationwide in 2025. Beacon Security reported 1,601 deaths and 669 kidnappings in the state. Located in north-east Nigeria, Borno remains the epicentre of Boko Haram and ISWAP activities, with frequent attacks on civilians and military bases. In 2025, militants also kidnapped and killed Brigadier General M.A. Uba.
Sokoto State
Sokoto State ranked fifth. The report said 433 people were killed and 707 kidnapped in 2025. Sokoto has faced attacks from bandits, including the Lakurawa group, which is involved in kidnapping, killings and cattle rustling. The state has also experienced attacks linked to Bello Turji and his fighters.
Despite the severity of insecurity in these states, Beacon Security noted that overall security conditions improved slightly in 2025 compared to 2024.
New Areas of Insecurity in 2025
The report also highlighted a rise in violent attacks in states previously considered relatively safe. These include Kano and Kebbi in the north-west, Kwara in north-central Nigeria, and parts of the south-west.
In Kebbi State, the emergence of the Lakurawa bandit group worsened insecurity, while 25 female students were abducted from a secondary school in Maga, though they were later freed.
In Kano State, bandit attacks spread to border areas near Katsina, particularly in Tsanyawa and Shanono local government areas, where people were kidnapped and killed.
In Kwara State, new attacks were reported in areas previously unaffected by banditry. In 2025, gunmen abducted worshippers from two churches, although the state government later announced their rescue.
The report underscores the evolving nature of insecurity in Nigeria, even as some progress was recorded compared to the previous year.