By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria recorded 640 deaths from security-related incidents in October 2026, despite a decline in the overall number of reported incidents, according to the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
The organisation disclosed this in its Nigeria Election Security Tracker for October 1–31, 2026, which documented 173 security incidents across the country, representing a 22.07 per cent decline from the 222 incidents recorded in September.
However, the death toll increased by 61.62 per cent, rising from 396 in September to 640 in October.
The report attributed 638 of the deaths to broader insecurity, while two fatalities were linked to election-related violence.
According to the CDD, attacks on communities, farms and major roads continued to expose residents to killings, kidnappings and displacement, raising concerns about the safety of citizens and their ability to participate in the 2027 general elections.
North-East Records Highest Death Toll
The North-East recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 409 deaths out of the 640 reported nationwide.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Binnari, Taraba State, where an attack reportedly killed 62 people and displaced more than 5,000 residents. Several homes and shops were also burnt, leaving families without shelter and sources of livelihood.
The report identified attacks on individuals as the largest category of broader insecurity, accounting for 75 incidents and 269 deaths.
Armed clashes recorded 24 incidents and 144 deaths, while kidnapping and abduction accounted for 19 incidents.
Explosions and airstrikes were linked to 135 deaths, while cult and gang violence, communal clashes and attacks on property also contributed to the security crisis.
Election-Related Violence Increases
While broader insecurity declined, election-related incidents increased from 14 in September to 16 in October.
The CDD said campaign gatherings, political convoys and properties belonging to political actors and supporters were among the targets.
Two campaign-related attacks resulted in deaths.
In Enugu State, Ifeanyi Nwolie died from a gunshot wound sustained during the New Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign launch on October 10.
In Ebonyi State, gunmen attacked the convoy of Rollins Offia-Nwall on October 22, killing one person, injuring three others and setting the candidate’s vehicle ablaze. The candidate reportedly escaped.
Other incidents involved attacks on APC supporters in Malumfashi, disruption of PDP consultations in Calabar, attacks on ADC convoys in Igueben and Kogi, and violence against Accord supporters during a procession in Ibadan.
The tracker also documented an attack on an ADC candidate’s meeting in Obosi, as well as the disruption of a pro-Tinubu rally in Jimeta.
In Abuja, security officers reportedly prevented supporters from gathering for the planned Obi-Kwankwaso political march.
The report warned that attacks on campaign activities, supporters and political gatherings could restrict citizens’ freedom to participate in the electoral process.
Four States Account for 53 Security Incidents
The CDD identified Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue as four focal states where 53 incidents were recorded during the reporting period.
Broader insecurity accounted for 50 incidents, representing 94.34 per cent of the total, while three incidents were election-related.
Plateau recorded the highest number of incidents among the four states, with 24, followed by Katsina with 12, Benue with 10 and Kaduna with seven.
In Plateau, six people were reportedly killed in Gero, while four others died in Sabon Anwa despite an existing curfew.
In Benue, attacks in Logo and Ukum resulted in the deaths of residents and local security personnel. A Catholic priest, Father John Otache, was also abducted on October 13 while returning from Otukpo.
In Kaduna, incidents included the abduction of members of the Zakka family at Alrahus Estate and the seizure of two farmers in Assako.
The report also highlighted the abduction of farmers in Katsina while they were harvesting, exposing rural residents to violence during essential livelihood activities.
CDD Reports 75 Misinformation and Hate Speech Narratives
Beyond physical insecurity, the report documented 75 misinformation, disinformation and hate speech (MDH) narratives in October.
This represented a 28.57 per cent decline from the 105 narratives recorded in September.
Of the 75 cases, 37 were classified as false, 31 as misleading, five as having insufficient evidence and two as involving religious threats and hostility.
The report said fabricated quotations, manipulated images and recycled videos were used to misrepresent political developments and exaggerate candidates’ popularity.
Some AI-generated images falsely portrayed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Aminu Tambuwal receiving terrorist leader Bello Turji into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Other fabricated images allegedly showed campaign materials being destroyed after an APC rally in Kaduna.
The CDD also raised concerns about false electoral information circulating alongside genuine administrative problems.
These included a fake voter registration website and a fabricated candidate notice falsely presented as official information from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The organisation warned that such claims could confuse voters, undermine confidence in electoral institutions and discourage participation.
INEC, Police Introduce Security Measures
The tracker highlighted some measures introduced by electoral and security authorities during October.
INEC announced a security coordination plan on October 28, extending election security arrangements to local government areas and voter registration centres.
The Nigeria Police Force also commenced a training programme targeting 10,000 officers, with the first phase covering 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The training focuses on political neutrality and crowd management.
Police reportedly arrested 14 suspects following the Malumfashi convoy attack and 11 people in connection with the attack on activist Omoyele Sowore.
Security agencies also conducted operations against armed groups in Bitta and Buni Yadi, while curfews remained in force in parts of Plateau State.
INEC separately rejected the fake registration website and fabricated candidate notice but acknowledged problems in the preliminary voter register.
CDD Urges Stronger Protection for Voters
The organisation called on security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen protection for political activities, investigate campaign and community attacks, and support displaced residents.
It also urged state governments and INEC offices to develop arrangements that would enable displaced voters and residents of unsafe communities to access voter services and reach polling centres.
On misinformation, the CDD recommended that INEC publish dated and verifiable registration and candidate notices, explain corrections to the voter register and respond quickly to fabricated information.
The organisation further called for investigations into religious threats and urged political and religious leaders to discourage collective blame and retaliatory attacks against communities.
Insecurity Could Threaten 2027 Voter Participation
The CDD warned that insecurity could undermine the electoral process even when attacks have no direct political motive.
According to the report, displaced residents may be unable to verify their registration details or reach polling centres, while unsafe roads could prevent election officials and party agents from accessing affected communities.
The tracker concluded that although overall security incidents declined in October, the sharp increase in fatalities, continued campaign attacks and circulation of false electoral information remain significant concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Source: Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Nigeria Election Security Tracker, October 2026.
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