Security assessment includes armed-group fighters killed during military operations
The claim that terrorists killed 835 Nigerians in October 2026 misrepresents the scope of the security assessment from which the figure originated.
SARI Global’s Nigeria Monthly Security Overview, published on November 11, recorded 612 incidents and at least 835 fatalities during October, compared with 535 incidents and 587 deaths in September.
Crucially, the organisation states that its fatality figures include armed-group fighters killed during security operations and failed attacks. The overall total therefore cannot accurately be presented as 835 victims killed by terrorists.
The assessment nevertheless describes a serious deterioration in security, highlighting the Binnari attack in Taraba, road blockades and convoy ambushes in Zamfara, and attacks on military positions.
Its figures were compiled from field reporting and open sources. They should be attributed to the organisation and understood within its stated methodology.
Accurate reporting requires separating the total number of deaths recorded from the identity of those killed and the actors responsible.
NATIONAL PATRIOTS POSITION
The National Patriots condemns terrorist attacks and mourns innocent lives lost. Security reporting must distinguish civilians, security personnel and armed fighters, rather than combine them under misleading headlines. Government must strengthen community protection, intelligence and accountability, while publishers must verify casualty classifications. Accurate information honours victims, supports effective policy and prevents public debate from being distorted by wrongly attributed figures.
Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR
President, National Patriots
Member, APC-PCC Strategic Communications Team 2027
