Boko Haram

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from March 13 to March 19, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.     March 13: Nigerian troops killed two bandits in Chikun, Kaduna. March 13: Gunmen killed six in Irewole, Osun. March 13: Nigerian troops killed "scores" (estimated at forty) of Boko Haram militants and lost four soldiers in Kukawa, Borno. March 14: Vigilantes killed nine bandits in Lapai, Niger State. March 14: Gunmen kidnapped ten in Suleja, Niger State. March 14: Bandits killed two and kidnapped one in Safana Local Government Area (LGA) and kidnapped four in Danmusa LGA in Katsina. March 14: Boko Haram killed twenty-two herdsmen in Monguno, Borno. March 15: Three teachers were kidnapped from a school in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna. March 15: Nigerian troops killed forty-one Boko Haram militants in Ngala, Borno. March 15: Nigerian troops killed two bandits in Chikun, Kaduna. March 15: Nigerian troops killed six Boko Haram militants in Dikwa, Borno. March 15: Bandits killed two in Kauru, Kaduna. March 15: Herdsmen kidnapped five in Ayamelum, Anambra. March 15: Boko Haram killed "some" (estimated at five) Nigerian soldiers during an attack on a military base in Mobbar, Borno. March 16: Bandits killed three soldiers and five civilians in Gusau, Zamfara. March 17: Bandits killed one police officer and kidnapped three civilians in Chikun, Kaduna. March 17: Bandits killed one and kidnapped two in Bakori, Katsina. March 17: Gunmen killed one and kidnapped two in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa. March 17: Police officers killed two bandits in Lere, Kaduna. March 18: Gunmen killed four naval officers in Oyi LGA and three police officers in Anaocha LGA in Anambra. March 18: Nigerian soldiers killed "some" (estimated at five) Boko Haram militants in Mobbar, Borno. March 19: Gunmen killed two police officers and two prison warders in Aguata, Anambra. March 19: Bandits killed one in Zangon Kataf LGA, ten in Kauru LGA, and two in Chikun LGA in Kaduna.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from March 6 to March 12, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.     (Last week, March 2: Bandits killed ten and kidnapped one hundred miners in Maru, Zamfara.) March 6: Bandits kidnapped twelve at Kaduna Airport in Igabi, Kaduna. March 6: Boko Haram killed three in Askira/Uba, Borno. March 6: Nigerian troops killed four bandits in Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) and one bandit in Birnin-Gwari LGA in Kaduna. March 7: Three soldiers and "some" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants were killed during a clash in Kaga, Borno. March 7: Bandits kidnapped twenty-five in Sabuwa, Katsina. March 8: Bandits kidnapped thirty in Sabuwa, Katsina. March 8: Gunmen killed four in Ibarapa, Oyo. March 8: Bandits kidnapped thirty in Rafi LGA and nineteen in Wushishi LGA in Niger State. March 8: Kidnappers abducted eight in Wukari, Taraba. March 8: Nigerian troops killed thirty-three Boko Haram militants and lost two soldiers in Marte, Borno. March 8: Kidnappers abducted five in Kosofe, Lagos. March 9: Kidnappers abducted three in Koton Karfe, Kogi. March 9: Vigilantes killed forty bandits in Lavun, Niger State. March 9: Communal violence resulted in seven deaths in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi. March 9: Bandits killed one and kidnapped eighteen in Munya, Niger State. March 10: Bandits killed thirteen in Maradun, Zamfara. March 10: Gangs killed seventeen in Toto, Nassarawa. March 10: Kidnappers abducted five in Koton Karfe, Kogi. March 10: Kidnappers abducted three from a college in Esan North-East, Edo. March 10: Nigerian troops killed ten Boko Haram militants in Marte, Borno. March 10: Bandits killed four in Igabi LGA, one in Giwa LGA, and two in Chikun LGA in Kaduna. March 11: Gunmen kidnapped thirty-nine students from a college in Igabi, Kaduna. March 11: Bank robbers killed five in Odo-Otin, Osun. March 11: Bandits kidnapped fifty on a Maulud journey in Faskari, Katsina. March 11: Bandits killed one police officer during an attack on a police station in Katsina-Ala, Benue. March 11: The Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) killed fifteen soldiers and four Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members in Guzamala, Borno. March 11: Bandits killed "scores" (estimated at forty) in Maradun and Tsafe LGAs in Zamfara.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from February 27 to March 5, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents will be included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.     February 27: Bandits killed four and kidnapped twenty-six in Rafi, Niger State. February 27: Bandits killed four in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA) and three in Kajuru LGA in Kaduna. February 27: Bandits killed three in Sabon Birni, Sokoto. February 28: Police officers killed nine bandits in Safana, Katsina. February 28: Bandits kidnapped seven in Rafi LGA and three in Katcha LGA in Niger State. February 28: Gunmen killed five in Zangon Kataf LGA and five in Chikun LGA in Kaduna. February 28: Gunmen killed three in Tsafe, Zamfara. February 28: Nigerian troops killed "dozens" (estimated at twenty-four) in late February in Igabi, Kaduna. March 1: Bandits killed five in Igabi LGA and one in Kauru LGA while airstrikes killed "many" (estimated at twenty) bandits in the surrounding area in Kaduna. March 1: Bandits kidnapped one and killed twelve in Illela, Sokoto. March 1: Sectarian violence led to two deaths in Okobo, Akwa Ibom. March 1: Boko Haram abducted seven aid workers in Dikwa, Borno. March 2: Kidnappers abducted three students in Safana, Katsina. March 2: Bandits kidnapped fifty in Rafi, Niger State. March 2: Gunmen killed one and kidnapped "some" (estimated at five) in Obokun, Osun. March 3: Gunmen killed six police officers in Obubra, Cross River. March 3: Bandits kidnapped seventy in Maru, Zamfara. March 3: Nigerian troops killed "some" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants in Marte, Borno. March 4: Sectarian violence led to five deaths in Offa, Kwara. March 4: Bandits killed one and kidnapped two in Bodinga, Sokoto. March 4: Four bandits and one soldier were killed during a clash in Safana, Katsina. March 4: Nigerian troops killed one Boko Haram militant in Ngala LGA and five militants in Dikwa LGA in Borno. March 5: Bandits killed seventeen in Sabon Birni, Sokoto. March 5: Suspected herders killed two farmers in Ikole, Ekiti.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from February 20 to February 26, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.     February 20: Bandits killed three and a suspected informant was lynched in Kajuru, Kaduna. February 20: Bandits killed nine and kidnapped seventeen in Shiroro, Niger State. February 20: Bandits killed two and kidnapped nine in Igabi, Kaduna. February 20: Gunmen killed one and kidnapped ten in Safana, Katsina. February 21: Kidnappers abducted five in Andoni, Rivers. February 21: Gunmen killed four at a market in Ibadan, Oyo. February 21: Boko Haram killed six internally displace persons (IDPs) in Damboa, Borno. February 21: "Scores" (estimated at forty) of militants were killed during a clash between Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) factions (location estimated around Mobbar, Borno). February 22: Communal clashes led to twenty-five deaths in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi. February 22: Gunmen killed two police officers in Essien-Udim, Akwa Ibom. February 23: Gunmen killed three and kidnapped nine in Sabuwa, Katsina. February 23: A Boko Haram rocket attack killed sixteen in Maiduguri, Borno. February 23: Suspected herdsmen killed three in Ikpoba-Okha, Edo. February 23: Nigerian troops killed fourteen Boko Haram militants in Marte, Borno. February 23: Four gunmen and two police officers were killed during an attack on a police station in Osisioma Ngwa, Abia. February 23: Bandits killed seven while "several" (estimated at ten) bandits were killed by airstrikes in Igabi, Kaduna. February 23: Bandits killed eight and kidnapped "some" (estimated at five) in Chikun, Kaduna. February 24: Gunmen killed four police officers in Aguata, Anambra. February 24: Sectarian violence led to two deaths in Mbo, Akwa Ibom. February 25: Bandits killed nine in Maru, Zamfara. February 25: Gunmen killed four police officers in Calabar, Cross River. February 25: Boko Haram kidnapped "dozens" (estimated at twenty-four) in Konduga, Borno. February 25: Bandits killed three in Isa Local Government Area (LGA) and one in Sabon Birni LGA in Sokoto. February 26: Bandits kidnapped 317 students in Talata-Mafara, Zamfara.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from February 13 to February 19, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.     February 13: Bandits killed two in Igabi, Kaduna. February 13: Two Nigerian Air Force personnel and "dozens" (estimated at twenty-four) of bandits were killed during a clash in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna. February 13: Suspected herdsmen killed three in Egbado North, Ogun. February 13: Herdsmen killed three in Owo, Ondo. February 13: Bandits killed three in Chikun, Kaduna. February 13: Two police officers, two robbers, and one civilian were killed during a clash in Oshimili North, Delta. February 14: Gunmen killed one police officer at a church in Ughelli North, Delta. February 14: Kidnappers killed three and abducted thirty in Rafi, Niger State. February 14: Herdsmen killed four in Bassa, Plateau. February 14: Nigerian troops killed eighty-one Boko Haram militants and lost one soldier to a landmine in Gwoza, Borno. February 14: Herdsmen killed four in Egbado North, Ogun. February 15: Seven children were killed by a leftover explosive device in Maradun, Zamfara. February 15: Boko Haram killed ten Nigerian soldiers in Marte, Borno. February 16: Bandits killed eleven in Rafi, Niger State. February 16: Boko Haram killed five police officers and two civilians in Bursari, Yobe. February 16: Suspected Indigenous People of Biafra members killed six children in Idemili North, Anambra. February 16: Nigerian troops killed two Boko Haram militants in Bursari, Yobe. February 17: Gunmen killed one and kidnapped forty-two at a school in Rafi, Niger State. February 17: Nigerian troops killed "several" (estimated at ten) bandits who kidnapped four in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna. February 17: Suspected herdsmen killed seven in Ovia North-East, Edo. February 17: Gunmen killed one and kidnapped thirty in Shiroro, Niger State. February 18: Kidnappers abducted seventeen in Faskari, Katsina. February 19: Boko Haram killed "many" (estimated at twenty) civilians in Dikwa, Borno. February 19: Gunmen killed one and kidnapped "several" (estimated at ten) in Rafi, Niger State. February 19: Three were killed during protests in Billiri, Gombe.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from February 6 to February 12, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.     February 6: Bandits killed fourteen in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area (LGA) and five in Kajuru LGA in Kaduna. February 6: Police officers killed two in Surulere, Lagos. February 6: A communal clash led to two deaths in Irepodun, Osun. February 6: Gunmen killed one police officer and one civilian in Warri South, Delta. February 7: A communal clash led to one death in Irepodun, Osun. February 7: Kidnappers abducted four in Gwagwala, Federal Capital Territory. February 7: Sectarian violence led to eleven deaths in Ajaokuta, Kogi. February 8: Herdsmen killed six in Bassa, Plateau. February 8: Bandits kidnapped seven in Oriade, Osun. February 8: Bandits killed ten in Birnin-Gwari LGA, one in Giwa LGA, seven in Chikun LGA, one in Igabi LGA, and five in Kauru LGA in Kaduna. February 8: Pirates abducted one in Brass, Bayelsa. February 9: Pirates abducted one in Brass LGA and four in Nembe LGA in Bayelsa. February 9: Kidnappers abducted seven in Ethiope East, Delta. February 9: Boko Haram kidnapped three customs officers in Geidam, Yobe. February 9: Nigerian troops killed nineteen Boko Haram militants in Kala/Balge, Borno. February 9: The Nigerian Air Force killed "several" bandits in both Birnin-Gwari LGA and Giwa LGA (estimated at twenty total) in Kaduna. February 10: Gunmen killed three at a town hall meeting in Idemli North, Anambra. February 10: Sectarian violence led to the deaths of two police officers in Takum, Taraba. February 10: Violence around a university student election led to the deaths of two students in Owo, Ondo. February 10: Nigerian troops killed thirty-one Boko Haram militants in Askira/Uba, Borno. February 11: Herdsmen killed two in Owo, Ondo. February 11: Herdsmen killed two in Egbado North, Ogun. February 11: Gunmen killed three in Oyigbo, Rivers. February 12: Herdsmen killed four in Egbado North, Ogun. February 12: Sectarian violence led to three deaths in Akinyele, Oyo. February 12: Boko Haram killed four in Biu, Borno. February 12: Nigerian troops killed two Boko Haram commanders in Gwoza, Borno. February 12: Boko Haram killed three Nigerian soldiers in Kukawa, Borno.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from January 30 to February 5, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents will be included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.     January 30: Suspected Fulani herdsmen killed one and kidnapped one in Akure North, Ondo. January 31: Boko Haram killed two police officers and one Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member, and kidnapped two police officers in Magumeri, Borno. January 31: Bandits killed one in Zangon-Kataf, Kaduna. January 31: Bandits killed two and kidnapped two in Giwa, Kaduna. January 31: Bandits killed five in Sabon Birni, Sokoto. February 1: Airstrikes killed "several" (estimated at ten) bandits in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA), "several" (estimated at ten) bandits in Ikara LGA, and two bandits in Zaria LGA in Kaduna. February 1: Bandits killed two in Lere LGA and one in Birnin-Gwari LGA in Kaduna. February 1: Gunmen killed one police officer in Isiala Ngwa North, Abia. February 1: Bandits killed twenty-seven and kidnapped forty in Shiroro, Niger State. February 1: Gunmen killed one police officer and kidnapped three Chinese nationals in Atakumosa West, Osun. February 1: Gunmen killed four in Aba, Abia. February 1: Herdsmen killed three in Orhionmwon, Edo. February 2: Kidnappers abducted three in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). February 2: Police officers killed three bandits in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina. February 2: Sectarian violence led to seven deaths in Bassa, Plateau. February 3: Kidnappers abducted one journalist and two others in Abuja, FCT. February 3: Bandits killed two in Bassa, Plateau. February 3: Bandits killed two in Igabi, Kaduna. February 3: Nigerian troops killed thirty-two bandits in Shinkafi, Zamfara. February 4: Gunmen killed three at a church in Ihiala, Anambra. February 4: Gunmen killed five in Khana, Rivers. February 4: Sectarian violence led to twelve deaths in Bassa, Plateau. February 4: Nigerian troops killed "a number" (estimated at ten) of Boko Haram militants in Ngala, Borno. February 5: Bandits killed six in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna. February 5: Two police officers and one gunman were killed during an attack on a police station in Obowo, Imo. February 5: Bandits killed two and kidnapped five in Zaria, Kaduna. February 5: Police officers killed six cultists in Egbado North, Ogun. February 5: Nigerian troops killed twenty bandits in Shinkafi, Zamfara. January 13–February 5: Police officers killed eight kidnappers in Edo.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from January 23 to January 29, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.   January 23: A communal clash resulted in forty deaths in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi. January 23: Pirates killed one sailor and kidnapped fifteen off the coast of Nigeria (estimated at Bonny, Rivers). January 23: Kidnappers abducted eight children from an orphanage and three others in Abaji, FCT. January 23: Military airstrikes killed "many" (estimated at twenty) bandits in Chikun, Kaduna. January 24: Bandits killed six and kidnapped fifteen in Paikoro, Niger State. January 24: Gunmen killed one police officer and one soldier in Sapele, Delta. January 24: Bandits killed seven in Maradun, Zamfara. January 25: Kidnappers abducted fourteen in Ijumu, Kogi. January 25: One soldier and nine civilians were killed during a clash between the military and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) protestors in Orlu, Imo. January 25: Gunmen killed two police officers in Karim-Lamido, Taraba. January 25: Nigerian troops killed five Boko Haram militants in the town of Chindila, Yobe (no LGA given/found). January 25: Nigerian troops killed three Boko Haram militants in the town of Mayankari, Borno (no LGA given/found). January 26: Bandits killed three in Zurmi, Zamfara. January 27: Bandits killed ten in Faskari, Katsina. January 27: Cult clashes resulted in four deaths in Warri South, Delta. January 27: Kidnappers abducted twenty-seven in Takum, Taraba. January 27: Bandits kidnapped ten in Chikun, Kaduna. January 28: Bandits kidnapped fifty in Shiroro LGA and killed one and kidnapped six in Lapai LGA in Niger State. January 28: Two were killed when gunmen attacked a police station in Ibadan, Oyo. January 28: Bandits killed one in Igabi LGA, three in Kajuru LGA, and twelve in Giwa LGA in Kaduna. January 28: Bandits killed eleven and kidnapped five in Faskari, Katsina. January 28: Military airstrikes killed "many" bandits in Birnin-Gwari, Chikun, and Giwa LGAs in Kaduna (estimated at sixty total). January 29: Boko Haram killed two soldiers and kidnapped two police officers in Dikwa, Borno. January 29: Amotekun killed five civilians in Ibadan, Oyo. January 29: Kidnappers abducted twenty-one in Kajuru, Kaduna. January 29: Nigerian troops killed seven Boko Haram militants in Bama LGA and four militants in Mafa LGA in Borno.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from January 16 to January 22, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.   January 16: Bandits killed one in Igabi LGA, three in Chikun LGA, and one in Giwa LGA in Kaduna. January 16: Soldiers killed five civilians, and one soldier was killed in retaliation in Maiduguri, Borno. January 16: Communal violence led to two deaths in Anambra East, Anambra. January 16: Kidnappers abducted seventeen in Shiroro, Niger State. January 17: Bandits killed ten, including one soldier, and five bandits were killed in Maradun, Zamfara. January 17: Gunmen killed two police officers and two others in Port Harcourt, Rivers. January 17: Nigerian troops killed thirty bandits and lost one soldier in Bungudu, Zamfara. January 17: Bandits killed one in Igabi LGA, killed one and kidnapped one in Zaria LGA, and killed two in Giwa LGA in Kaduna. January 18: Police officers killed two kidnappers in Mangu, Plateau. January 18: Nigerian troops killed two bandits in Kagarko, Kaduna. January 18: A roadside bomb planted by Boko Haram killed four Nigerien soldiers in Diffa, Niger. January 18: Sectarian violence led to seven deaths in Mbo, Akwa Ibom. January 18: Nine soldiers and five Boko Haram militants were killed during a clash in Nasarawa, Nassarawa. January 18: Bandits killed thirty-five in Maru, Zamfara. January 18: Bandits killed seven vigilantes in Mashegu, Niger State. January 20: Nigerian troops killed five Boko Haram militants in Damboa, Borno. January 20: Bandits killed two in Chikun LGA, one in Giwa LGA, and one in Igabi LGA in Kaduna. January 21: Bandits killed thirteen and kidnapped eleven in Bungudu, Zamfara. January 21: Yansakai, an outlawed vigilante group, killed two herdsmen in Maradun, Zamfara. January 22: Soldiers killed four kidnappers in Owo, Ondo. January 22: Bandits killed four in Chikun LGA and two in Giwa LGA in Kaduna.

Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, writing for the BBC, argues that Western media distorted the 2014 Boko Haram kidnapping of more than two hundred girls sitting for high school examinations. Based on conversations with some of the freed schoolgirls, she argues that the episode was not so much an attack on female education, as portrayed in Western media, but rather banditry gone wrong. A consequence of Western media attention was that it inflated Boko Haram's prestige and set the stage for its later use of female suicide bombers. Nwaubani's perspective on the nature of Boko Haram differs from that of many observers. She downplays the religious or ideological dimension of the movement, its ability to recruit, and its strength. However, her criticism of Western media's treatment of the Chibok episode is well placed. The Chibok kidnapping took place in 2014, a period in which opinion leaders in the United States were focused on assaults on female education in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and in those parts of Syria and Iraq dominated by the self-proclaimed Islamic State. The activist movement’s face was Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who became a Western folk hero after she was shot by the Taliban for seeking an education. (She survived and received a Nobel Peace Prize.) Against this background, U.S. media and opinion leaders, including First Lady Michelle Obama, placed the Chibok kidnapping in the context of yet another Islamist attack on female education. There was a general lack of granular knowledge of northern Nigeria that could have resulted in more sophisticated analysis. Rather than reflecting particular Nigerian-Sahelian history and circumstance, they saw Boko Haram as somehow part of a peril posed by al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Boko Haram has indeed long been opposed to Western education—the group’s name translates to “Western education is forbidden”—such as that which the Chibok girls were receiving. The movement’s views of the position of women in society is anathema to almost all Americans. But the beliefs and ideology of Boko Haram are complex and diffuse. The movement should be seen in a Nigerian and Sahelian context rather than that of international terrorism, such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic state—especially in 2014, when the Islamic State ruled large parts of Syria and Iraq. By 2014, Boko Haram posed a serious threat to the Nigerian government in the north. It occupied territory larger than Belgium or Maryland, and there was realistic concern that it would establish an Islamist state. At that point, it is unlikely that Western media attention, with all of its shortcomings, played any significant role in inflating the movement's importance or prestige in Nigeria.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from January 9 to January 15, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.   January 9: Amotekun operatives killed seven in Ibarapa North, Oyo. January 9: Gunmen killed three in Kauru, Kaduna. January 9: Twenty-eight Boko Haram militants and thirteen soldiers were killed during a clash in Gujba, Yobe; in a separate incident, Nigerian soldiers killed another thirty militants in Gujba. January 9: Nigerian troops killed fifty bandits in Kaura-Namode, Zamfara. January 10: Gunmen killed three mobile police officers in Ughelli North, Delta. January 10: Gunmen killed two in Riyom, Plateau. January 10: Nigerian troops killed five bandits and lost one soldier in Faskari, Katsina. January 10: Kidnappers abducted twenty-seven traders in Etsako West, Edo. January 11: Five soldiers and six Boko Haram militants were killed during a clash in Damboa, Borno. January 11: Gunmen killed a councillorship candidate and kidnapped two others in Oshimili South, Delta. January 11: A Boko Haram suicide bomber killed themselves and six Nigerian soldiers in Damboa, Borno. January 12: Gunmen killed two in Kauru, Kaduna. January 12: Military airstrikes killed "several" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants in Kaga, Borno. January 12: Suspected land grabbers killed four in Ikorodu, Lagos. January 12: Security forces killed four bandits in Shiroro, Niger State. January 10-January 12: Cult clashes resulted in fourteen deaths in Ikorodu, Lagos. January 13: Bandits killed two in Igabi, Kaduna. January 13: An Amotekun operative killed one civilian in Ibadan North, Oyo. January 13: Bandits kidnapped eighteen in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna. January 13: Military airstrikes killed "several" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants in Konduga, Borno. January 13: Suspected herders killed two in Guma, Benue. January 14: Bandits killed two in Igabi, Kaduna. January 14: Military airstrikes killed "several" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants in Bama, Borno. January 14: Boko Haram landmines killed five soldiers in Chibok, Borno. January 14: Nigerian troops killed "scores" (estimated at forty) of bandits in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna. January 15: Communal violence led to two deaths in Ibarapa North, Oyo. January 15: Nigerian troops killed "scores" (estimated at forty) of Boko Haram militants in Marte, Borno. January 15: Bandits killed five police officers and kidnapped thirteen others in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from January 2 to January 8, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.   January 2: Bandits killed nineteen in Giwa, Kaduna. January 2: Gunmen killed three and kidnapped two in Ibarapa, Oyo. January 2: Robbers killed two civilians and police officers killed two robbers in Ughelli, Delta. January 2: Military airstrikes killed "several" Boko Haram militants at two separate locations (estimated at twenty total) in Bama, Borno. January 2: Boko Haram kidnapped fifty in Konduga, Borno. January 3: Boko Haram killed six soldiers and one civilian in Chibok, Borno. January 3: Bandits killed nine in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna. January 4: Bandits kidnapped eleven in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna. January 4: Suspected herdsmen kidnapped four in Aniocha South, Delta. January 4: Nigerian troops killed "several" bandits in Birnin-Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, and Chikun LGAs in Kaduna (estimated at twenty total). January 5: Gunmen killed one and kidnapped twenty in Toto, Nassarawa. January 5: Boko Haram attacked Askira/Uba, Borno but were repelled by military airstrikes that killed "several" (estimated at ten) militants. January 5: Bandits kidnapped five in Rafi, Niger State. January 5: Pirates killed two in Bonny, Rivers. January 6: Bandits killed four in Chikun, Kaduna. January 6: Amotekun killed three civilians in Ibarapa, Oyo. January 6: Boko Haram killed commuters (no number given, estimated at ten) in Nganzai, Borno. January 6: Military airstrikes killed "several" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants in Damboa, Borno. January 8: Soldiers killed five civilians during a clash in Baruten, Kwara. January 8: Bandits kidnapped seven children in Maru, Zamfara. January 8: A Boko Haram suicide bomber killed herself and thirteen others in Mayo Tsanaga, Cameroon. January 8: Gunmen attacked a police station and killed three police officers in Ezza South, Ebonyi.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from December 26, 2020, to January 1, 2021. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents will be included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.   December 26: Police officers killed a traditional ruler in Nkanu East, Enugu. December 26: Boko Haram killed four security personnel and six civilians in Hawul, Borno. December 26: Bandits killed one and kidnapped three in Bosso, Niger. December 26: Gunmen killed two and kidnapped fifty in Batsari, Katsina. December 27: Gunmen kidnapped seventeen in Munya, Niger State. December 27: Bandits kidnapped two in Bosso, Niger. December 27: A gang clash resulted in ten deaths in Kajuru, Kaduna. December 27: Gunmen killed one and kidnapped six in Sabuwa, Katsina. December 27: A cult clash resulted in five deaths in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa. December 28: The Nigerian Air Force killed "several" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants in Gwoza, Borno. December 28: Boko Haram landmines killed four soldiers in Konduga, Borno. December 28: Nigerian troops killed eight bandits in Kaduna, Kaduna. December 28: Boko Haram kidnapped four in Madagali, Adamawa. December 29: One vigilante and one bandit were killed in Kaduna, Kaduna. December 29: Boko Haram landmines killed seven hunters in Ngala, Borno. December 29: Six bandits and two others were killed in Kurfi, Katsina. December 29: Nigerian troops killed three Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) militants in Konduga, Borno. December 30: Cultists killed four in Oredo, Edo. December 30: Military airstrikes killed "several" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants in Mobbar, Borno. December 30: Nigerian troops killed "several" (estimated at ten) bandits in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna. December 31: Nigerian troops killed one bandit in Batsari, Katsina. December 31: Bandits killed seven in Mashegu, Niger State. January 1: The Nigerian Air Force killed "several" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants in Ngala, Borno.

Abductions of hundreds of students in northwestern Nigeria are the latest examples of a common tactic among criminal and jihadi groups, underscoring that Boko Haram is far from the government’s only problem in the north.

Below is a visualization and description of some of the most significant incidents of political violence in Nigeria from December 19 to December 25, 2020. This update also represents violence related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. These incidents are included in the Nigeria Security Tracker.   December 19: Five Nigerian soldiers and "several" (estimated at ten) Boko Haram militants were killed during a clash in Mafa, Borno. December 19: Sectarian violence led to seven deaths in Kauru LGA and two deaths in Lere LGA in Kaduna. December 19: Bandits kidnapped eighty students and four teachers in Dandume, Katsina but police officers repelled the attack and rescued the victims. December 19: Sectarian violence led to seven deaths in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna. December 20: Gunmen killed three and kidnapped one in Rafi, Niger State. December 20: Gunmen killed one and kidnapped two in Rogo, Kano. December 20: Cult clashes resulted in nine deaths in Abakaliki, Ebonyi. December 21: Kidnappers abducted seventeen in Danmusa, Katsina. December 22: Bandits killed seven and kidnapped three in Chikun, Kaduna. December 22: Kidnappers abducted twenty-one in Batsari, Katsina. December 23: Two vigilantes, five civilians, and "several" (estimated at ten) bandits were killed during a clash in Giwa, Kaduna. December 23: Gunmen killed two naval officers at a checkpoint in Okene, Kogi. December 23: Soldiers killed three robbers in Mangu, Plateau. December 23: Bandits killed two and kidnapped one in Batagarawa, Katsina. December 24: Boko Haram killed eleven and kidnapped seven in Chibok, Borno. December 24: Boko Haram killed eight and kidnapped eleven in Gombi, Adamawa. December 24: Six bandits and two civilians were killed in clashes in Sanga and Lere LGAs in Kaduna. December 24: Gunmen killed three police officers and two civilians in Katsina-Ala, Benue. December 24: Bandits kidnapped five in Shiroro, Niger State. December 24: Nigerian troops killed two bandits in Ukum, Benue. December 24: Suspected Boko Haram militants kidnapped forty loggers and killed three in Ngala, Borno. December 25: Bandits killed two police officers in Garki, Jigawa. December 25: Police officers killed two civilians at a concert in Oturkpo, Benue.