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Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 14, 2025
Scary Statistics: North Tops 2025 Killings as Ribadu Vows to Crush Extremists
ABUJA, Nigeria — The northern region of Nigeria continues to bear the brunt of violence in 2025, with alarming statistics revealing a surge in killings attributed to extremist activities. Despite government efforts to curb insecurity, the death toll remains distressingly high.
According to a report by Amnesty International, at least 10,217 people have been killed in attacks by gunmen in Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara states over the past two years. Benue State alone accounts for 6,896 deaths, followed by Plateau State with 2,630 fatalities. The report also highlights that 638 villages have been sacked by bandits in Zamfara State, underscoring the severity of the crisis. [1]
In response to the escalating violence, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has pledged to intensify efforts to dismantle extremist networks. Speaking at a security summit in Kaduna, Ribadu emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the nation.> “Nigeria is safer today than it was two years ago, and we are seeing the dividends of a coordinated and disciplined security architecture,” Ribadu stated, attributing the decline in certain violent incidents to President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a unified approach to national security. [2]
Ribadu also announced the successful capture of two top leaders of the al-Qaida-linked militant group Ansaru. Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Baraa, and his deputy, Amir Mahmuda, were arrested during a coordinated operation between May and July 2025. The duo is accused of orchestrating several terrorist attacks, including the 2022 prison break in Abuja that freed nearly 900 inmates. [3]
"The capture of Abu Baraa and Mahmuda signals the beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders. Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with precision, resolve, and unwavering determination," Ribadu affirmed. [4]Despite these efforts, the persistent attacks in states like Benue and Plateau have raised concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures. In April 2025, at least 100 people were killed in a gun attack in Yelewata, Benue State, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by armed groups. [5]The three Nigerian suspects have been identified as Ogunlana Noah Olanrewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode, and Bakare Korede Muheeb. The NDLEA’s swift action prevented the distribution of these illicit drugs, which have a high potential for abuse and are often linked to various health and social issues.
This seizure underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in combating drug trafficking and the importance of international collaboration in addressing the illicit drug trade.
For more updates on national security and related developments, visit www.selemedia.org.
Citations:
1. Amnesty International: www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/05/nigeria-mounting-death-toll-unchecked-attacks-armed-groups/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/07/boko-haram-bandit-attacks-decline-under-tinubu-nsa-ribadu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. AP News: apnews.com/article/58bfc03c69870b442b0b40a6c428e8e7?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/scary-statistics-of-killings-as-jolted-ex-army-chief-retired-general-speak-out/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. AP News: apnews.com/article/44c89b8dec357711293edc52e2b016a0?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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