By Ghazali Ibrahim
At least 835 people died in 612 security-related incidents across Nigeria in October 2026, representing a 42 per cent increase in fatalities compared with the previous month, according to a new report by security intelligence firm SARI Global.
The report, titled Nigeria Monthly Security Overview, October 2026, recorded incidents across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It showed that security incidents increased by 14 per cent from 535 recorded in September to 612 in October, while fatalities rose from 587 to at least 835.
According to the assessment, non-state armed groups were responsible for the highest number of incidents and fatalities among the identified actors, initiating 221 incidents and accounting for 480 deaths.
Government-affiliated forces were linked to 218 incidents and 197 fatalities.
However, SARI Global explained that the overall death toll included armed-group fighters killed during failed attacks and military operations, meaning the 835 deaths should not be interpreted as the number of civilians killed by terrorists.
Zamfara State recorded the highest number of security incidents, with 69 cases and 137 deaths, while Borno State had the highest fatality figure, recording 180 deaths from 51 incidents.
In Borno, most of the fatalities were linked to clashes between Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and military forces around the Lake Chad region.
Plateau State followed with 65 incidents and 62 deaths, while Katsina recorded 37 incidents.
Other states among the 10 most affected included Kebbi with 27 incidents, Lagos and Sokoto with 22 each, Niger with 19, Rivers with 18 and Benue with 17.
One of the deadliest attacks recorded during the month occurred on October 23 in Binnari community, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
SARI Global reported that armed men attacked a weekly market, a mosque shortly after Friday prayers and a local vigilante office, killing at least 62 people and injuring 52 others.
Residents fleeing the attack were reportedly pursued towards the Benue River, where several drowned.
The report also highlighted worsening insecurity along major roads in Zamfara State, where armed bandits reportedly blocked the Gusau-Dansadau road, destroyed nine vehicles and imposed a ₦50 million levy on communities in Dansadau District.
The attack on an escorted traders’ convoy near Gurusu on October 11 also resulted in at least 20 deaths, including security personnel.
In another incident, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka was assassinated in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, on October 26, with Ansaru claiming responsibility.
The security assessment further documented attacks on humanitarian operations, including the killing of a female NGO worker in Sokoto State, the looting of an aid organisation’s health facility in Ngala, Borno State, and a raid on a Maiduguri compound accommodating seven United Nations national staff members.
It warned that attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities were increasingly affecting the delivery of assistance to vulnerable communities.
Beyond armed attacks, the report identified 46 security incidents linked to political parties, campaigns and political thugs as political activities intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also noted that campaigners of the ruling All Progressives Congress were attacked in several northern states during the period.
SARI Global described October as the most lethal month of the 2027 campaign season so far, warning that the growing frequency and severity of armed-group activities, road blockades and attacks on communities could further worsen the country’s security situation.
The firm said its figures were based on monitoring and verification of reported incidents, adding that the fatalities represented minimum confirmed counts rather than a complete estimate of all deaths.
