Nigeria in March 2026: the most important developments in security
In Nigeria in March 2026, the most reported security story was a series of suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri on 17 March that killed at least 23 people and injured more than 100. Officials described the blasts as barbaric and inhumane, and reports linked them to Boko Haram. The country's service chiefs relocated to Borno state. Earlier in the month, hundreds of people, including women and children, were reported missing or abducted after a major attack by militants in Borno, and President Bola Tinubu assured the military that the country would ultimately defeat terrorism. On 18 March the army said its troops had killed at least 80 fighters, including three commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province, in operations in Borno.
Foreign support was the second theme. The European Union warned of threats against schools and the United States cautioned its citizens about a possible terrorist threat. On 21 March reports said the US was sending troops and drones to Nigeria for intelligence and training. On 22 March Tinubu met state governors on security and pledged increased foreign support, and France pledged military equipment after a call between Tinubu and Macron. Nigeria is also seeking to acquire the Airbus C295 military airlifter, and the Nigerian and South African armies agreed to strengthen ties.
Violence continued elsewhere. At least 18 people were killed in a clash between a local vigilante group and armed bandits in Katsina state, gunmen abducted nine worshippers from a church in Kwara state and three were later rescued, and residents of an Oyo community protested over kidnappings. In Lagos, the Commissioner of Police threatened to disband a police task force over allegations of misconduct and extortion.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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