Summary of Mass Atrocities Casualties for December 2024

In December 2024, Nigeria recorded at least 340 fatalities from mass atrocities, marking a notable 25.3% decrease from November’s 455. However, while seemingly positive, this drop poorly masks the enduring violence and displacement suffered by millions of Nigerians. Several communities across the country which in the ensuing violence were forced to abandon their farmlands and businesses, are still unable to return to their homes and livelihoods, and 340 citizens killed are still one too many. The psychological toll of these events reverberated through families and societies, compounded by deep-seated issues like lack of accountability, persistent inequalities, and poor access to justice.

Casualty Overview

Sokoto State recorded the highest toll in December, with at least 45 reported fatalities. The tragedy occurred in Silame Local Government Area (LGA), when a military airstrike occasioned collateral damage, killing 10 civilians in neighbouring villages including Gidan Sanma and Rumtuwa. While the military claimed it had acted on intelligence targeting terrorist camps, the imprecision of the strikes drew widespread criticism, sparking conversations about civilian safety during counter-terrorism operations. Later in the same month, terror-bandits pillaged Dan Tudu village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, home to the Local Government Area Chairman. Seven residents were killed, several residents kidnapped, and a large number of livestock stolen. These incidents revealed the complex web of challenges the state continues to face, from ineffective security strategies to the growing brazenness of armed groups.

In neighbouring Zamfara State, at least 19 people were killed. One of the incidents occurred on the Dansadau-Gusau road in Maru Local Government Area, where bandits had planted an explosive device that obliterated a car, killing all 10 passengers aboard. For more than six years, Zamfara and its neighbouring states have been plagued by terror attacks with no tangible success by state security forces in repelling their advance.

We also tallied at least 19 fatalities in Katsina State. In the month, terror-bandits launched a pillage attack on villages in Kankara Local Government Area of the state, killing 8 residents and abducting scores, many of whose identities are yet to be established. Entire communities fled into nearby forests, seeking refuge from the chaos. Some of the fleeing villagers died in the process, succumbing to exhaustion or falling victim to violent pursuits. The incessant fear of attack in Katsina’s rural areas has paralyzed economic activity, worsening the impoverishment and isolation of the communities.

Plateau State also suffered a horrific attack in Riyom Local Government Area. In a small hamlet called Ri Do, known locally as Gidan Ado, gunmen stormed the community at night, killing at least 15 people, including a one-year-old child. The shocking attack highlights the vulnerability of small, isolated communities.

In Benue State, at least 11 people were killed across Katsina-Ala and Kwande Local Government Areas. The frequency of attacks by armed herders and militia groups in some areas has continued to be exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, reprisal attacks, impunity and displaced terror groups from the North East. Also at Ihiala, in Anambra State, gunmen targeted mourners preparing for a burial ceremony. Nine people, including 2 security operatives, were killed in a scene that further exemplified the precarious state of human security in the region.

Other states also recorded incidents of violence, with Niger and Taraba reporting 3 fatalities each, Kaduna 3, Borno 2, and Delta 1.

Security Operations

Security forces continued their counter-terrorism operations throughout December. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that they had neutralized at least 50 ISWAP fighters in an operation in Malam Fatori while follow-up strikes in Kaula and Dogon Chikun resulted in the deaths of an additional 65 insurgents. The Nigerian Air Force also announced that they had launched airstrikes in Zamfara state targeting terror-bandit camps headed by notorious bandit leaders Ado Aliero and Dan Umaru, killing at least 24 insurgents.

In Enugu State, the Nigerian Army ambushed suspected IPOB members along the Amouka-Umouka Road in Udi Local Government Area killing at least 13 men who they believed were involved in coordinating kidnappings and terror attacks in the South-East.

In the course of the month, we also recorded that the security forces lost 2 military personnel, 2 police officers, and 5 vigilantes during December’s operations, underscoring the high cost of counter-insurgency efforts.

Intra-Terror Violence

The intra-group violence between ISWAP and Boko Haram members led to a battle at Tumbum Kare, resulting in the death of 15 insurgents.

Katsina also witnessed infighting between rival bandit factions in SafanaLocal Government Area which led to 10 deaths. These internal rifts could signal power struggles within the criminal networks but have also sparked fears of escalating retaliatory violence.

Abductions

There was a surge in abductions, with at least 242 cases reported—a 18% increase from November. Zamfara continued to top the list with at least 84 people kidnapped. Of these number, 43 were abducted from Gidan Goga in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.

In Lajinge Ward, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto, terror-bandits stormed a wedding ceremony, abducting 20 people, including a bride and her bridesmaids. Katsina followed closely, with multiple incidents in Kankara Local Government Area. Fifteen villagers were abducted in a single attack, and another 10 were grabbed from vehicles intercepted along the Yargoje-Dankumeji road.

In Kogi State, 9 people, including a ward councillor, were kidnapped from Odo-Ape community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. Eighteen travellers returning from Onitsha were abducted in Ekiti State. On a positive note, security forces rescued 25 kidnap victims during an offensive operation in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna.

Looking Ahead

The month ended with increasing concerns about the security forces overreliance on airstrikes in counter-terrorism operations. While effective in disrupting insurgent camps, questions about civilian casualties and collateral damage remain unresolved. Furthermore, the pattern of abductions hints at them potentially being linked to human trafficking and other illicit activities.

The events of December 2024 illustrate the complex and multifaceted nature of violence in Nigeria. While security forces have achieved notable victories, the underlying drivers of conflict—socio-economic disparities, weak governance, and systemic injustices—continue to perpetuate a cycle of violence. Addressing these root causes remains the only pathway to lasting peace and stability.