At least 45 officers of the Nigeria Police Force have been killed in attacks on police stations, checkpoints and patrol teams across the country over the past year, according to media reports, highlighting deepening security challenges nationwide.
The fatalities occurred between 2025 and early 2026 in multiple states, as police formations were targeted in incidents linked to insurgents, bandits, mob violence and other armed groups, the reports said. The attacks were recorded in parts of the North East, North Central, North West, South East and South West regions.
Security analysts said the incidents underscore growing vulnerabilities in police infrastructure and operations, as well as the increasing boldness of criminal and extremist groups operating in different parts of the country.
In Kwara State, bandits attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters in Babanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, on August 8, 2025, leaving five people dead, according to reports. In Benue State, four mobile police officers attached to the 12 Police Mobile Force were killed in an ambush at Udei village in Guma Local Government Area on June 9.
In Edo State, a policeman was killed at a checkpoint in Ekiadolor community on November 7, while the Agenegbode Police Station in Etsako East Local Government Area was set ablaze on October 14, 2024, following unrest linked to the kidnapping and killing of youths in the area. Vehicles and other property at the station were also destroyed.
Bandits also attacked a divisional police officer’s official residence in Aujara, Jahun Local Government Area of Jigawa State in late October 2025, killing a police constable identified as Nura Garba.
In Niger State, terrorists attacked a police border patrol outpost at New Kalli village in Borgu Local Government Area on January 4, 2026, reportedly burning the facility. The attack occurred less than 48 hours after dozens of traders and farmers were killed at Kasuwan Daji, also in Borgu.
In Katsina State, bandits ambushed a police patrol team from the 27 Police Mobile Force in Faskari Local Government Area on January 27, 2026, killing three officers, including an assistant superintendent of police, and injuring others, according to reports.
Other incidents were recorded in Oyo State, where a police inspector, Aliu Ofuwole, was killed during an ambush at the Budo Masalasi border post in late January 2026, and in Plateau State, where several officers were killed in separate attacks and mob violence incidents in 2025.
In February 2026, gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked a security formation in Zurak community, Bashar district, killing a soldier and a police officer. In Ondo State, the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo Local Council Area was destroyed during an attack by gunmen in January 2026.
Repeated attempts by Daily Trust to obtain a response from the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent over several days were not answered.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier warned against attacks on police officers during a conference with senior officers in Abuja in September 2025, describing such acts as unacceptable and urging the public to report alleged misconduct by officers through appropriate channels rather than resorting to violence.
Nigeria continues to face multiple security threats, with authorities yet to release an official consolidated assessment of the impact of the attacks on police personnel nationwide.
