Fresh Killings, Abductions Deepen Security Fears Amid Rising Drone Threats

Renewed killings, kidnappings and violent clashes in parts of Nigeria have intensified public concern over worsening insecurity, as fresh intelligence reports warn of an expanding use of drones by terrorist groups across West Africa.

The developments come as President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security, stressing that defeating terrorism and violent crime remains critical to economic growth and national stability.

In Kogi State, residents of Ejule community in Ofu Local Council raised the alarm yesterday over the alleged abduction of passengers travelling in a commercial Sienna bus along the Ejule–Aloma road. The incident reportedly occurred when suspected kidnappers intercepted the vehicle en route to Abuja. Although security agencies had yet to issue an official statement as of press time, the abandoned bus was said to have been carrying at least 10 passengers.

The incident followed a violent clash in neighbouring Ibaji Local Council, where four persons were confirmed killed during confrontations between armed Fulani men and local residents in communities including Ejule Ojebe. The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Mrs Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, confirmed the fatalities in a statement issued in Lokoja.

Describing the violence as tragic, Egwaba called on security agencies to act swiftly to restore peace, protect lives and property, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. She also urged community leaders and residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities to prevent further escalation.

In Benue State, gunmen abducted nine worshippers of Saint John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in Utonkon District of Ado Local Council during a church vigil on Sunday. A former councillor from the area, Mr Emmanuel Udah, described the attack as targeted and said it had left residents traumatised and fearful.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command said tactical units had been deployed, in collaboration with local vigilantes, to track the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims. Police assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, security analysts have raised concerns over the growing use of drones by extremist groups in the region. A BBC report, citing data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled), revealed that Islamic State affiliates have carried out about 20 drone strikes across West Africa, with most incidents recorded in Nigeria.

According to Acled, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has conducted at least 10 drone attacks since 2024 across parts of north-eastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region. Another affiliate, the Islamic State Sahel Province, was linked to a similar number of attacks.

Experts say the militants typically use commercially available drones modified to carry explosives, as well as for surveillance ahead of ground assaults. Despite Nigeria’s strict regulations on drone usage, analysts note that extremist groups exploit smuggling networks across porous borders to acquire the devices.

The most recent incident was reported on January 29 in Borno State, where insurgents launched a coordinated drone and ground attack on a military base, resulting in the death of nine soldiers.

Addressing the second edition of the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja yesterday, President Tinubu said terrorism and banditry were alien to Nigeria’s identity and vowed to further strengthen the country’s security architecture. He linked insecurity directly to economic stagnation, stressing the need for collective action by all tiers of government.

“We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It is not part of our culture,” the President said, adding that his administration remained committed to restoring peace and driving inclusive economic growth.

In a related development, a United States congressman, Mr Riley Moore, condemned recent attacks on Christians in Nigeria and urged the government to intensify efforts to protect citizens. Reacting to the abduction of a Catholic priest and others in Kaduna State, Moore called for urgent action to end what he described as persistent violence against religious communities.