At least 792 people were killed in 882 security incidents recorded across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in June 2026, underscoring the country’s persistent security challenges despite sustained military and law enforcement operations.
The June edition of SARI Global’s Nigeria Monthly Security Overview said government-affiliated forces were linked to 274 fatalities during security operations, while non-state armed groups accounted for the highest death toll, with 337 deaths from 224 incidents.
The report identified the Monguno axis in northern Borno, comprising Monguno, Cross Kauwa, Baga and Kukawa, as Nigeria’s most critical humanitarian flashpoint, saying the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) intensified attacks on aid workers and supply routes serving internally displaced persons.
It said insurgents combined night-time raids on humanitarian facilities with daytime attacks on relief vehicles along the Monguno-Gajiram road, disrupting aid deliveries and worsening food insecurity.
Violence escalated in the second week of June, when 278 incidents and the highest fatality toll were recorded, compared with 217 incidents in the opening week.
June 8, 11, 13 and 14 were the month’s deadliest days as insurgent attacks, bandit raids and security operations occurred across multiple fronts.
Among the month’s major incidents was the June 24 abduction of an international humanitarian worker and a local security guard after suspected ISWAP fighters breached the 20 Units Housing area in Monguno.
The report also cited the June 29 burning of two trucks conveying humanitarian supplies along the Monguno-Gajiram road, days after a similar attack on June 18, describing the assaults as an attempt to disrupt relief operations and isolate vulnerable communities.
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Government-affiliated forces initiated 375 incidents during the month, the highest among all actor categories. Unknown actors accounted for 86 deaths, civilians 64, criminal groups 30 and political actors one.
The report cautioned that the volume of security operations had yet to significantly degrade the operational capacity of armed groups.
Borno remained the worst-hit state with 109 incidents and 172 deaths. Zamfara recorded 63 incidents, Plateau 51, Katsina 44, Lagos 40, the FCT 36, Rivers 32, while Oyo and Sokoto recorded 31 incidents each. Niger State logged 29 incidents.
The report also highlighted growing threats to schools, citing the June 29 attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, where suspected ISWAP fighters abducted students and teachers.
It further warned of increasing risks during humanitarian aid distribution, referencing the June 5 assault on an international NGO worker during a food distribution exercise in Banki, Bama Local Government Area.
Across the North-West, 67 insurgent-style ambushes and improvised explosive device attacks were recorded, including an IED explosion on the Bagega-Anka road in Zamfara State on June 15, signalling the spread of such tactics beyond the North-East.
In the South, Lagos, Rivers and Oyo recorded lower levels of violence, largely involving crime, protests and road crashes. In the FCT, incidents were driven mainly by civil unrest linked to preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The report projected that humanitarian needs will continue to outpace response capacity as attacks on aid corridors and worsening food insecurity place further pressure on relief operations in northern Borno.