The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development (CentreSGD) has reported that at least 70 physical attacks linked to political and electoral activities occurred across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between January 1 and October 27, 2026.

CentreSGD reports 70 election-related attacks across 19 Nigerian states and the FCT, leaving 27 dead ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the organisation, the incidents resulted in 27 deaths, raising concerns about the growing threat of political violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

CentreSGD warned that the increasing number of attacks targeting political candidates, party supporters, campaign convoys and party offices could undermine public confidence in the electoral process if urgent measures are not taken to address the situation.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Theresa Chigozirim Odinkalu-Okoro, raised the concerns in a statement issued on Sunday, describing the reported incidents as troubling developments for Nigeria’s democratic process.

She cautioned that the growing atmosphere of political hostility could discourage citizens from participating in the forthcoming elections and weaken confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

Majority of Nigerians Fear Election Violence, Survey Reveals

CentreSGD also drew attention to findings from the CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Threat Assessment and Yiaga Africa’s National Voting Intentions Survey conducted in September 2026.

According to the figures cited by the organisation, 61 per cent of Nigerians surveyed expressed fears that violence could prevent them from voting in the 2027 general elections.

The level of concern was reportedly higher in the North-East, where 78 per cent of respondents said they feared that insecurity and political violence could affect their ability to participate in the electoral process.

The findings highlight growing public anxiety over election security and the need for relevant authorities to guarantee a safe environment for voters, candidates and political party supporters.

Attacks on Political Campaigns Raise Security Concerns

Among the incidents referenced in the report were alleged attacks on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State.

The organisation also highlighted attacks on APC campaign convoys in Malumfashi and Yankara communities in Katsina State.

Another incident involved an assault on the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his entourage in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

CentreSGD further referenced allegations involving attacks on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, as well as reported attacks on ADC campaign convoys in Kebbi State, including one associated with presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

However, the organisation acknowledged that some of the reported incidents had been disputed by the political parties and authorities concerned.

It clarified that its statement was not intended to establish the guilt of any individual or group but to demand proper investigations into the allegations.

CentreSGD maintained that anyone found responsible for electoral violence should face prosecution, including individuals who may have sponsored or organised the attacks.

CentreSGD Calls for Investigation and Prosecution

In response to the reported incidents, the organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to take immediate steps to investigate election-related violence across the country.

It urged security authorities to ensure that investigations are conducted professionally, transparently and without political interference.

The centre also stressed the importance of holding both perpetrators and their alleged sponsors accountable whenever sufficient evidence establishes their involvement.

According to the organisation, allowing political violence to continue without consequences could create an environment in which intimidation and physical force influence electoral participation and outcomes.

Emphasising the importance of peaceful political competition, CentreSGD stated:

“Elections should be a contest of ideas and popular mandate, not a test of physical force or armed coercion.”

The organisation warned that democracy could not flourish in an atmosphere where citizens, political candidates and party supporters feel unsafe expressing their political preferences.

2027 Elections: Growing Concerns Over Nigeria’s Political Security

With Nigeria preparing for another general election in 2027, concerns over political violence have placed additional pressure on security agencies and electoral stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures.

The reported attacks, alongside the survey findings cited by CentreSGD, highlight the importance of protecting political activities and ensuring that Nigerians can exercise their voting rights without intimidation.

Political parties, candidates and their supporters also have responsibilities to promote peaceful campaigns and discourage actions capable of escalating tensions.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the ability of security agencies to prevent political attacks, investigate reported incidents and prosecute offenders could play an important role in determining public confidence in the electoral process.

Ultimately, Nigerians must be able to participate in elections based on their political choices rather than fear of violence.

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with various security agencies, recently conducted a highly successful special clearance operation in strategic areas bordering Imo and Anambra states. This operation marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and ensure regional security.

Encounter with Insurgent Groups

During the operation, the combined forces encountered members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), who had been using the targeted areas as a sanctuary for their activities. The insurgents, employing guerrilla tactics, attempted to thwart the operation by deploying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and setting up booby traps along the roads.

Tactical Response and Neutralization

Despite facing these challenges, the troops demonstrated exceptional resolve and tactical prowess. They effectively neutralized key figures within the IPOB/ESN ranks, including the notorious terrorist camp Commander known as Tochukwu, alias Ojoto, along with two accomplices. This strategic success significantly weakens the insurgents’ networks in the region.

Recovery of Critical Materials

The operation resulted in the recovery of vital materials used by the insurgent groups, including firearms, communication devices, narcotics, and other personal effects. Among the items seized were undetonated IEDs, detonated IEDs, and bomb-making materials, underscoring the extent of the insurgents’ capabilities.

Impact on Regional Security

The Nigerian Army emphasized that these operations have dealt a severe blow to the terrorists’ networks, disrupting their activities and securing crucial intelligence for future operations. The safe disposal of IEDs and bomb-making materials further mitigates potential threats to civilian populations and security forces.

Fierce Engagement in Cross River State

In a separate but equally significant engagement, troops deployed in Cross River State successfully engaged a group of suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle. This encounter, occurring in the remote community of Akparanbong in Ikom Local Government Area, led to the recovery of substantial weaponry and communication devices from the fleeing kidnappers.

Conclusion: Sustained Efforts for Security

The Nigerian Army’s relentless efforts, coupled with collaborative initiatives with other security agencies, continue to yield positive results in the fight against insurgency and criminal activities. These recent operations demonstrate the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, fostering stability, and upholding the rule of law across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

In a shocking turn of events, Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, became the scene of a brazen bandit attack targeting none other than the manager of the Gusau branch of Taj Bank, Mallam Mansur Kaura. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about security in the region.

The Bandit Invasion

Under the cover of darkness, a gang of bandits launched a daring raid in the early hours of Tuesday, catching residents and security forces off guard. Reports from STEADY GIST indicate that the bandits struck Mallam Mansur Kaura’s residence around 12:30 am, forcibly abducting him.

Sophisticated Tactics Unleashed

Witnesses recount a harrowing scene as the bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, unleashed chaos in the neighborhood. Their sporadic gunfire sent fear rippling through the area, forcing residents to seek shelter and security forces to scramble in response.

Terrifying Rampage

The bandits’ reign of terror did not end with the abduction. They brazenly roamed through various areas within Gusau, instilling fear and chaos in places like Mareri, Damba, Tsauni, and Samaru. This calculated display of violence underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the state capital.

Official Silence Raises Concerns

Despite the gravity of the situation, security authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the bandit attack. This silence has left residents and stakeholders uneasy, as they await updates and reassurances regarding the safety and security of the community.

Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Action

The recent bandit attack in Gusau serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Zamfara State. It highlights the need for proactive measures to bolster security infrastructure, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community.

As investigations unfold and efforts to secure Mallam Mansur Kaura intensify, it is imperative for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and united in the quest for a safer, more secure environment for all residents of Gusau and beyond.

119 prisoners escape as heavy rainfall destroys walls of Suleja prison

An unspecified number of inmates escaped from the old Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State’s Suleja local government area after a rainstorm ravaged the facility on Wednesday night.

Around 9 pm, a storm accompanied by heavy rainfall destroyed parts of the old Suleja custodial centre, leading to a mass exodus of inmates from the facility.

Reports from STEADY GIST indicate that the rainstorm caused significant damage to the building, exposing the inner fence that previously secured one of the cells housing inmates.

A resident of Suleja town, confirming the incident to our correspondent, mentioned, “The incident is indeed true; we assisted in apprehending two of the inmates and turned them over to the prison authorities.”

Information reveals that a joint team of security agents has been dispatched to strategic locations and hotspots within Suleja town to apprehend the fleeing inmates.

Additionally, it was noted that security personnel resorted to sporadic gunfire to intimidate the escaping inmates from their hiding places.

Sources suggest that the escaped inmates, overpowering the guards at the facility, fled in various directions, complicating the efforts of security personnel in pursuit.

Meanwhile, heightened security measures have been implemented along Minna-Suleja and Suleja-Kaduna roads, as well as the Madalla axis leading to Abuja.

Efforts to elicit a response from the State’s Comptroller of Prisons were unsuccessful at the time of press, although a senior officer from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the incident to STEADY GIST on condition of anonymity.