By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar
Special Report | Katsina Times
Over the past ten years, Nigeria has endured a string of deadly attacks that have disproportionately affected Muslim communities, particularly across the northern region.
This investigation, covering the period between 2015 and 2025, draws from verified reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Associated Press, and other public records to document major incidents in which Muslims were among the principal victims.
The report documents significant attacks targeting Muslims across Nigeria during the past decade. It highlights inconsistencies in official and independent casualty figures and explains how conflicting reports from government agencies, human rights groups, and religious organisations have complicated efforts to determine the true human toll.
Baga and Doron Baga, Borno State (January 2015)
In one of Boko Haram’s deadliest assaults, hundreds—and possibly thousands—were killed. Casualty figures reported by Amnesty International and The Guardian differed widely.
Zaria Massacre, Kaduna State (12–14 December 2015)
Security forces clashed with members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria. Human rights groups said several hundred IMN members were killed during the confrontation.
Dalori Attack, near Maiduguri (30 January 2016)
Boko Haram fighters stormed Dalori village, killing dozens of civilians and destroying homes. Media reports placed the death toll at about 86.
Kaduna and Katsina Attacks (24–28 February 2021)
A series of coordinated raids on communities across the two states left nearly 100 people dead, highlighting the spread of banditry in the northwest.
Zamfara Village Massacres (4–6 January 2022)
Armed gangs killed more than 200 people in multiple villages over three days, according to contemporaneous media reports.
Kawuri Bomb Blast, Borno State (1 August 2024)
A nighttime explosion at a café in Kawuri killed 16 people, according to Reuters and other agencies.
Mosque and Village Attacks, Katsina State (2024–2025)
Several assaults on mosques and rural communities killed about 50 people, including worshippers during dawn prayers, reports from AP and Reuters showed.
Most attacks occurred in northern Nigeria, targeting unprotected rural settlements, marketplaces, and mosques.
Many took place during religious gatherings, increasing civilian casualties.
Perpetrators included Boko Haram/ISWAP factions and armed bandits driven by a mix of extremist ideology, criminality, and communal revenge.
There remains no unified casualty record; figures differ sharply between government agencies, NGOs, and independent monitors due to restricted access, verification challenges, and political influence.
Debate continues over whether Muslims or Christians suffered higher casualties within the period under review. Some groups argue Muslims bore the heavier losses, while others dispute the figures or decry the politicisation of casualty data.
This investigation does not attempt to make religious comparisons but focuses on verified incidents where Muslims were identified as primary victims.
Thousands of Muslims were killed in attacks linked to Boko Haram, ISWAP, armed banditry, and communal violence from 2015 to 2025.
Discrepancies in casualty figures stem from limited access to sites, inconsistent verification methods, and political pressure.
The frequency and spread of the attacks reveal deep-seated security lapses and a failure to protect vulnerable populations.
Between 2015 and 2025, Nigeria witnessed recurring waves of violence that devastated many Muslim communities. Although a comprehensive religious breakdown remains difficult, evidence shows Muslims were repeatedly targeted in large-scale attacks across the north.
The decade-long trend underscores the need for transparent data collection, credible investigations, and stronger protection mechanisms to prevent further loss of life.
Sources: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Associated Press, and public records (2015–2025).
© Katsina Times Special Report 2025
