At least 792 people were killed in 882 security-related incidents across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in June 2026, according to a new report by security intelligence firm SARI Global.
The report, which reviewed Nigeria’s security situation for the month, said the military and other government-backed forces killed 274 insurgents during operations, while non-state armed groups were responsible for the highest number of fatalities with 337 deaths.
The security analysis also raised concerns over the growing humanitarian crisis in northern Borno, where Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly intensified attacks around the Monguno axis, restricting access to aid supplies for thousands of internally displaced persons.
SARI Global identified Monguno, Cross Kauwa, Baga and Kukawa as major humanitarian hotspots, citing nighttime raids on humanitarian facilities and attacks on aid supply routes as key threats.
According to the report, ISWAP fighters carried out a major operation on June 24 by invading the 20 Units Housing area of Monguno, where an international NGO worker and a local guard were abducted.
The group also targeted humanitarian supply routes, including attacks on NGO-contracted trucks along the Monguno-Gajiram road, where food cargo was reportedly destroyed.
The report said the attacks appeared designed to intimidate aid workers, discourage commercial suppliers from supporting humanitarian operations and disrupt food distribution to vulnerable communities.
“A busy security apparatus is not the same as an improving environment,” SARI Global warned, noting that despite increased security operations, violence remained widespread across the country.
The report showed that government-affiliated forces recorded the highest number of security operations, linked to 375 incidents involving arrests, raids, seizures and other activities.
However, non-state armed groups recorded the highest number of deaths, causing 337 fatalities from 224 incidents.
Borno State emerged as Nigeria’s most affected state in June, recording 109 security incidents and 172 confirmed deaths, largely linked to insurgency activities around the Lake Chad Basin, Sambisa Forest and other vulnerable areas.
Zamfara followed with 63 incidents, reflecting continued banditry activities in the North-West, while Plateau recorded 51 incidents. Other states with significant security activity included Katsina, Lagos, the FCT, Rivers, Oyo, Sokoto and Niger.
The report also highlighted increasing attacks on schools, particularly after ISWAP fighters reportedly abducted students and teachers from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
SARI Global described the attack as a sign of serious weaknesses in early warning systems and local surveillance, warning that repeated successful school attacks could encourage further abductions.
Beyond terrorism and banditry, the report pointed to other security challenges, including public unrest, criminal activities and growing tensions around humanitarian food distributions.
It noted that in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, an NGO worker was attacked during food distribution after a person was excluded from a beneficiary list, highlighting what it described as a rising risk of “beneficiary aggression” as food insecurity worsens.
Looking ahead to July, SARI Global warned that humanitarian needs could continue to outpace response capacity, especially as food shortages increase and insecurity affects aid delivery routes.
The firm advised authorities and humanitarian organisations to strengthen security measures around schools, aid operations and communities located near areas controlled by armed groups.
