Fresh killings and abductions deepen security fears in Nigeria

Fresh killings, kidnappings and violent clashes in parts of Nigeria have heightened public fear over security as new intelligence reports warn that terrorist groups are stepping up drone attacks. President Bola Tinubu has again pledged to strengthen the country’s security architecture, saying that defeating terrorism is key to economic stability and national development.​

In Kogi State, residents of Ejule community in Ofu Local Council raised alarm over the abduction of passengers travelling in a commercial Sienna bus along the Ejule Aloma road. Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers reportedly intercepted the vehicle heading towards Abuja, seized about 10 passengers and abandoned the bus, while security agencies had yet to issue an official statement at press time.​

The same area also witnessed deadly clashes between armed Fulani men and residents of Ibaji communities, including Ejule Ojebe, where at least four people were confirmed killed. Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, condemned the violence as painful and urged security agencies to act swiftly, restore peace and bring the perpetrators to justice.​

Egwaba appealed to community leaders, youths and residents to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement and avoid spreading unverified information that could inflame tensions. She pledged to work with the state government, security agencies and traditional institutions to find lasting solutions and protect lives and property in Ibaji.​

In Benue State, gunmen abducted nine worshippers from Saint John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in the Utonkon District of Ado Local Council during a night vigil. Former councillor Emmanuel Udah said the attack appeared targeted and has left residents traumatised, with many feeling unsafe as repeated assaults hit rural communities.​

Udah warned that families, farmers, traders and worshippers in the area now live in constant fear. He urged authorities to step up security, saying the incident reflects a wider pattern of insecurity that is breaking communities and destroying livelihoods across Benue.​

Benue State Police Command spokesperson Udeme Edet confirmed that nine worshippers were kidnapped in the church attack. She said the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has deployed tactical units in collaboration with local vigilantes to track the abductors and rescue the victims, assuring that security operatives are on their trail.​

Security concerns have been further compounded by rising use of drones by extremist groups in West Africa. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, cited by the BBC, indicate that two Islamic State affiliates have carried out about 20 drone strikes in the region, many of them in Nigeria.​

Earlier, lawmaker Ahmed Jaha had warned that Boko Haram insurgents were using drones to attack communities in Borno State, sometimes with devices that appeared more sophisticated than those available to the Nigerian military. ACLED analyst Ladd Serwat said jihadist groups typically adapt commercial quadcopter drones, rigging them with explosives and using them for surveillance before ground assaults.​

According to ACLED, Islamic State West Africa Province has launched at least 10 drone strikes since 2024 across north eastern Nigeria and neighbouring parts of Cameroon, Niger and Chad in the Lake Chad region, while a similar number has been linked to Islamic State Sahel Province. Despite Nigeria’s tight regulations on drone imports and use, researcher Malik Samuel of Good Governance Africa said militants obtain drones through smuggling networks across porous borders because they allow more effective strikes with fewer casualties for the attackers.​

One recent incident cited occurred on January 29 in Borno, when insurgents using multiple armed drones and ground fighters attacked a military base, killing nine soldiers. Security analyst Audu Bulama Bukarti warned that growing use of armed and surveillance drones by extremist groups marks a serious shift in the conflict, cutting costs, improving intelligence and enabling strikes on previously hard to reach targets.​

At the National Economic Council Conference in Abuja, President Tinubu insisted that terrorism and banditry are alien to Nigeria’s culture and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive growth, macroeconomic stability and stronger security. He promised to reinforce security structures, expand agricultural mechanisation through seven planned mechanisation zones and keep the fight against violent crime at the top of his agenda.​

Tinubu said insecurity is a major drag on the economy and called for all tiers of government to work together on urgent and lasting solutions, praising governors of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna for efforts to protect citizens. He described the NEC as a platform for cooperative federalism and policy coordination under the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026 to 2030.​

The President highlighted early signs of exchange rate stability and easing inflation pressures, crediting recent fiscal and monetary reforms and the Central Bank’s efforts to maintain macroeconomic balance. He added that more predictable federal allocations are helping states and local councils pay salaries, build infrastructure and improve social services.​

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the NEC, urged stronger collaboration among all levels of government. He said the council’s relevance lies in the quality of ideas it produces and called on members to prioritise poverty reduction, job creation and fiscal sustainability.​

Budget and Economic Planning Minister Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum also stressed that coordinated reforms at both federal and state levels are crucial for long term growth. They noted that sustained cooperation will be key to turning policy plans into real improvements in people’s lives.​

In a related development, United States lawmaker Riley Moore condemned violent attacks on Christians in Nigeria and demanded stronger protection for citizens. Reacting to the abduction of Catholic priest Nathaniel Asuwaye of Holy Trinity Parish in Kaduna and 10 others, in an attack that also killed three parishioners, he urged the Nigerian government to stop what he called violent persecution and ensure the safe return of the victims.​