Over 326 security personnel killed in one year – Report

 

No fewer than 326 security personnel lost their lives while on duty across Nigeria between January 2023 and January 2024.

The fallen officers were drawn from various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Nigeria Immigration Service; and the military.

However, the actual number of casualties could be higher, as the figures were compiled based on media reports.

A breakdown of the reported fatalities shows that the Nigeria Police Force suffered the highest number of losses, with 258 officers killed within the period under review.

The military recorded 59 fatalities, while the NSCDC lost five personnel.

The Nigeria Immigration Service recorded the least casualties, with four officers reported dead.

Among the notable incidents was the recent killing of 22 soldiers in a deadly operation in January 2025.

In March 2024, 17 soldiers were killed in an attack on the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Additionally, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command reported that it lost a total of 140 personnel in 2024.

Speaking with our correspondent, a certified golden member of the International Security Association, Switzerland, Olalekan Jackson-Ojo, lamented that the statistics indicate that security operatives themselves are not safe.

“This shows that there is no security for our security operatives. This is very unfortunate. Our security personnel should be better protected. There should also be more strategic policies to safeguard the lives of those who risk theirs to protect the nation,” he said.

Jackson-Ojo further stressed the need to tackle the root causes of insecurity in the country.