IED Attacks Persist in Northeast Despite Decline, Report Reveals
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria records 1,934 improvised explosive device (IED) incidents in the North-East between 2017 and 2024, underscoring a persistent security threat despite fluctuating yearly trends.
A 2025 mine action review shows road-emplaced IEDs remain the most dominant and consistent form of attack, significantly outnumbering other types.
The data reveals a peak in 2017 with 381 incidents, followed by declines and periodic increases, with 191 cases recorded in both 2023 and 2024.
Speaking at a counter-IED workshop, National Counter Terrorism Centre Coordinator Adamu Laka says insurgents continue to evolve tactics.
“Each time one method… was addressed, insurgents found new ways to improve detonation,” he says, describing the devices as devastating to troops and civilians.
He notes that IED technology has progressed from simple triggers to more complex systems designed to evade detection and maximise damage.
Security experts warn that the sustained use of IEDs highlights ongoing vulnerabilities, particularly in conflict-affected regions, and call for enhanced counter-terrorism strategies and technological responses.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu