At least 326 security personnel lost their lives while on duty across Nigeria between January 2023 and January 2024, according to reports compiled from various media sources.
According to The PUNCH, the casualties were drawn from multiple security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
However, the actual death toll could be higher than reported.
A breakdown of the fatalities indicates that the Nigeria Police Force suffered the highest number of losses, with 258 officers killed within the period under review.
The military recorded 59 deaths, while the NSCDC and the Nigeria Immigration Service lost five and four personnel, respectively.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in January 2025, when 22 soldiers were killed during an operation.
Similarly, in March 2024, 17 soldiers lost their lives in an attack on the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command also confirmed the loss of 140 officers in 2024 alone.
Security expert and certified golden member of the International Security Association, Switzerland, Olalekan Jackson-Ojo, described the situation as alarming, stating that it highlights the vulnerability of security operatives in the country.
“This shows that our security operatives are not secure. This is very unfortunate. Our security personnel should be better protected. There should also be more strategic policies to safeguard the lives of those who risk theirs to protect the nation,” he said.
Jackson-Ojo further emphasized the need to address the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria to prevent further loss of lives.
