Nigeria Security Report: March 2026 — Sustained Violence, Slight Drop in Fatalities
March 2026 saw continued attacks across the Northwest and Northeast. Deaths declined vs February, but attack frequency increased — meaning no real improvement, just less extreme spikes.
Headline Overview
| Indicator | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Change |
|---|
| Major Incidents | ~9 | 11 | ↑ |
| Estimated Deaths | ~350+ | ~250+ | ↓ |
| Mass Casualty Events | 4 | 3 | ↓ |
| Kidnappings | 2–3 | 3+ | ↑ |
Key takeaway: Attacks are happening more often, just slightly less deadly per event.
Attack Breakdown
| Type | Count | Impact |
|---|
| Village raids | 4 | ~150+ deaths |
| Kidnappings | 3 | ~80+ abducted |
| Insurgent attacks | 3 | ~45+ deaths |
| Bombings / IED | 2 | ~20+ deaths |
| Clashes | 1 | ~30 deaths |
Key takeaway: Bandit raids still drive most deaths; insurgents remain active but not escalating.
Monthly Incident Summary
| Date | Location | Type | Casualties | Notes |
|---|
| Mar 2–3 | Plateau | Village attacks | ~85 killed | Mass civilian targeting |
| Mar 5 | Zamfara | Kidnapping raid | 7 killed; ~60 abducted | Large-scale abduction |
| Mar 8 | Borno | Insurgent ambush | 15 soldiers killed | Military convoy targeted |
| Mar 11 | Niger | IED explosion | 10 killed | Civilian transport hit |
| Mar 14–15 | Zamfara | Village raids | ~40 killed | Homes destroyed |
| Mar 18 | Kaduna | Kidnapping | 2 killed; 25 abducted | Night raid |
| Mar 21 | Borno | Insurgent attack | ~20 killed | Border-area assault |
| Mar 24 | Kebbi | Highway attack | 5 killed | Travelers targeted |
| Mar 26–27 | Plateau | Clashes | ~30 killed | Curfew imposed |
| Mar 29 | Borno | Suicide bombing | 12 killed | Crowded area |
| Mar 31 | Multiple | Ongoing violence | >250 total deaths | Nationwide insecurity |
Bottom Line
No improvement — just lower peak violence
Kidnapping economy still expanding
Boko Haram / Islamic State West Africa Province still active
Expect similar or worse levels in April without structural change
