2,644 Civilians, 304 Security Personnel Killed in Three Months — SBM Report

At least 2,644 civilians and 304 security personnel were killed across Nigeria between April and June 2026, according to a new security report released by SBM Intelligence, highlighting the persistent toll of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and other violent crimes across the country.

The report, published on the geopolitical research firm’s official X page, said a total of 5,091 deaths were recorded during the second quarter of 2026, with violent incidents ranging from terrorist attacks and Boko Haram assaults to armed robbery, abductions and gang clashes.

SBM Intelligence, an Africa-focused geopolitical research and strategic consulting firm known for its security and economic reports, said civilians accounted for the largest share of the fatalities, while 304 members of the security services also lost their lives during the three-month period.

Breaking down the casualties, the report said 2,644 civilians were killed, alongside 1,125 Boko Haram fighters, 734 bandits, 58 kidnappers, 48 Lakurawa members, 27 suspected cultists, 10 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seven armed robbers and five Customs officers.

Among security personnel, the report recorded the deaths of 200 soldiers, 99 police officers and five Customs personnel.

According to the report, Borno State remained the worst-hit state, recording 1,355 deaths during the quarter.

Zamfara followed with 800 deaths, while Yobe recorded 437 fatalities. Katsina reported 399 deaths, Niger 318, Plateau 307 and Sokoto 296.

Other states with significant casualties included Kebbi with 224 deaths, Kaduna 155, Benue 148, Adamawa 105, Kwara 91 and Kogi 76.

The report also listed Bauchi with 65 deaths, Cross River 62, Nasarawa 48, Lagos 27, Imo 20, Oyo and Kano with 19 each, Anambra 18, Delta 17 and Ogun 15.

Taraba recorded 14 deaths, Edo 12, while Osun and the Federal Capital Territory each reported 10. Enugu recorded eight deaths, Ondo six, Rivers four, Ekiti three, while Ebonyi, Bayelsa and Abia recorded one death each. Jigawa, Gombe and Akwa Ibom recorded no killings during the period.

An analysis of the figures by geopolitical zone showed that the North East recorded the highest number of fatalities at 1,980.

The North West followed with 1,889 deaths, while the North Central recorded 998.

The South South accounted for 96 deaths, the South West 80 and the South East recorded the lowest figure of 48 deaths.

SBM Intelligence said the figures were compiled from media reports of violent incidents recorded across the country during the second quarter of the year.

The report shows the continued security challenges confronting Nigeria despite ongoing military and law enforcement operations against insurgents, bandits and other criminal groups operating in different parts of the country.