Nigeria sees sharp rise in kidnappings and civilian murders

A new research report titled ‘Nigeria at the crossroads’ by Open Doors reveals a dramatic surge in violence in Nigeria during the final quarter of 2025. According to the data, 3,415 civilians were kidnapped between October and December 2025, representing a 153% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Civilian murders also saw a significant rise, increasing by 51% from 1,148 in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 1,735 in the fourth quarter of 2025. This escalation follows a period of relative decline after violence peaked in 2021.

The security situation prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a national state of emergency in November 2025, following mass kidnappings of students and teachers in northern Nigeria that led to school closures in eleven states. Additionally, the United States designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ due to religious freedom violations. The report also highlights the humanitarian impact on nearly four million Nigerians who have been displaced from their homes.