FIJ
Nigeria grappled with a myriad of mind-boggling security challenges in 2023. From alarming rates of kidnappings and wanton killings to the unsettling incidents of bomb blasts, the year tested the country’s already fragile security architecture. Different terrorist groups orchestrated attacks in many parts of the country, with the north being the hotspot of these attacks.
This article details some of the security incidents that unfolded throughout the year.
BOMBINGS
Several Nigerians were killed in bombings by terrorist groups and the military in 2023. Some Fulani herders were moving their cattle from Benue to Nasarawa State on January 24 when an explosion rocked Rukubi village on the border between the two states. The explosion, which was later suspected to be a bomb blast, killed and injured at least 50 people. That same month, the bombing of an area in the Shiroro LGA of Niger State carried out by the Nigerian Air Force led to the displacement of about 8,150 people. Members of a vigilante group were also killed in the incident.
An air strike traced to the Nigerian military left several innocent civilians dead and wounded in Kaduna State this December. The incident sparked an outrage after the military claimed the village was accidentally bombed while responding to intelligence reports on terrorist movements.
The Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) also claimed responsibility for a bomb blast in April in Jigawa State. It marked the first known attack by ISWAP in the state. While claiming responsibility for the blast, the terror group revealed that three fatalities were recorded.
In May, Taraba State police confirmed a bomb blast at a drinking joint in Jalingo. Confirming the report on Monday, the command’s public relations officer (PPRO) Abdullahi Usman said the incident that occurred in Jika Doruwa, Jalingo metropolis, took place Sunday night.
KIDNAPPINGS
Armed terrorists kidnapped at least 25 worshippers at the New Life for All Church in Katsina State on a Sunday in January. No fewer than 24 students of the Federal University of Gusau (FUG), Zamfara State, were abducted in September. One of the students shared her terrifying ordeal with FIJ.
A Catholic priest and three other church members were abducted in Ebonyi State in July. Corps members were also abducted in the year. In March, two corps members were kidnapped in Kogi, at least five were kidnapped in Rivers State in May, one was kidnapped in Nasarawa State in August and two were abducted by bandits in Katsina State.
In November, gunmen abducted more than 100 people in the Maru LGA of Zamfara State for failing to pay levies imposed on them. About a week before this, 15 residents, including the wife of the district head of Ruwandoruwa community in the same LGA, were abducted.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was not left out, as several residents were kidnapped within and on the outskirts. FIJ reported several other kidnapping incidents here, here, here and here.
WANTON KILLINGS
