A report from Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited reveals a surge in insecurity in Nigeria, with 971 people abducted in October 2024. The new terror group 'Lakurawa' and rising fatalities underscore Nigeria’s deteriorating security, driven by socio-economic, political, and environmental factors affecting the northern regions the most.
In October 2024, over 971 Nigerians were reportedly abducted across the country, signaling a worsening security situation. A new terror group, known as ‘Lakurawa,’ emerged in Nigeria's northwest, contributing to the alarming spike in kidnappings, as revealed by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited (BSIL) in its latest report. BSIL’s October 2024 Nigeria Security Report highlighted a significant rise in fatalities and abductions, marking 2024 as one of the worst years for Nigerian security.
Data from the report indicated a 51% increase in fatalities and a 24.42% rise in abductions. Of the 861 documented security incidents, 64.92% were related to security threats, while 24.79% involved security force operations. Most incidents were concentrated in Nigeria's northern regions, with the northwest accounting for the highest number of kidnappings at 83.83%.
The analysis also showed a drastic increase in casualties, from 1,022 in September to 1,545 in October, with civilians comprising the majority of these deaths. Beacon Security's CEO, Dr. Kabir Adamu, attributed the escalating violence to Nigeria’s weak security infrastructure, socio-economic challenges, political tensions, and climate-related issues affecting migration patterns in the region.
Dr. Adamu warned that without comprehensive security reforms and better engagement with the public, the security situation could continue to deteriorate, potentially leading to even higher abduction and fatality rates in the coming months.
