At least 35 Nigerian soldiers have been killed in recent weeks while battling an ongoing insurgency, highlighting the significant challenges faced by the Nigerian military in combating terrorism and other security threats.
In a recent attack, ISWAP militants killed at least 20 Nigerian soldiers during an operation in a hotspot of terrorist activity in the northeastern region of the country.
These casualties come on the heels of other deadly attacks, including an ambush that killed nine soldiers in the Dumba region and an attack in Damboa that resulted in the deaths of six soldiers.
These incidents underscore the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in northeastern Nigeria.
Security expert Kazeem Olalekan emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the insurgency and prevent further loss of life.
In addition to the challenges posed by terrorism in the northeast, the northwest region of Nigeria is grappling with significant security issues, including banditry and kidnapping.
The recent data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics reveals the devastating impact of insecurity, with nearly 615,000 deaths recorded between May 2023 and April 2024.
These figures highlight the urgent need for effective security measures and a comprehensive strategy to address the multifaceted security challenges facing Nigeria.