Thousands of communities across Nigeria have been left without police presence after repeated attacks by terrorists, bandits and armed groups forced the abandonment or destruction of police stations, investigations have found.
The security gap, identified in at least seven states, has exposed millions of residents to kidnappings and violent attacks, with many communities now relying on vigilantes, hunters and informal security groups for protection.
Findings across Sokoto, Anambra, Niger, Kaduna, Plateau, Zamfara and Kwara, among others, show that several police facilities have been destroyed, abandoned or left understaffed following repeated assaults by armed groups. In many areas, residents now travel long distances to reach the nearest police station, slowing emergency response and raising concerns over weakened grassroots policing.
Zamfara
In Zamfara State, community leaders said more than 1,000 villages are without police presence. Garba Sani, a community leader in Bindin village in Maru Local Government Area, said residents have repeatedly appealed for police deployment but received no response.
“There are currently over one thousand communities in the state living without police stations,” he said. “Bandits operate in broad daylight because there is no security presence.”
Another resident, Samaila Musa of Jangeme village, said villagers often sleep in bushes to avoid attacks.
A senior police officer in the state, speaking anonymously, said personnel are overstretched and outgunned.
“Our number is grossly inadequate compared to the bandits,” the officer said.
Despite attacks on stations, including killings of officers in Maru in 2023 and Zurmi in 2024, the Nigeria Police Force said no station has been officially shut down. Zamfara police spokesman Yazid Abubakar said all 20 divisions remain operational.
Sokoto
In Sokoto State, residents say nearly 100 communities lack police presence. Several outposts have been shut or merged after repeated attacks.
A police officer said small stations have become easy targets.
Community leader Musa Ibrahim warned of worsening insecurity if gaps persist.
Anambra
In Anambra State, multiple police stations attacked between 2021 and 2024 remain non-functional in some communities, including Ihiala, Orumba South and Ogbaru LGAs.
Residents said they now depend on vigilante groups and state-backed security operatives.
A community leader in Lilu, Mazi Uzodike, said police fear returning to rural areas.
Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga said some stations have been rebuilt, including facilities in Nnewi and Ihiala, and said joint security operations are ongoing.
Kano
Residents in Tsanyawa, Shanono and Bagwai LGAs in Kano State also reported a lack of police presence in several villages. A police officer said existing divisions are too few to cover remote communities.
Plateau
In Plateau State, residents of several communities in Bassa LGA said delayed police response has worsened insecurity.
A community leader, John Goje, said kidnappers often escape before security forces arrive.
Niger
In Niger State, officials said police stations are frequent targets of armed groups. A senior officer said attackers aim to weaken local security capacity by destroying facilities and seizing weapons.
Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said operations continue in affected areas, though residents say fear remains widespread.
Kwara
In Kwara State, communities in Kaiama and Patigi LGAs said security posts have been withdrawn after repeated attacks near the Kainji National Park axis. Three officers were killed in an attack in Tenebo in May 2026.
Kaduna
Residents in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru and Kachia LGAs said police presence has weakened significantly, forcing reliance on vigilantes.
South-East and Imo
In the South-East, particularly Imo State, several police stations were attacked between 2021 and 2024. While some have been rebuilt, others remain closed, including stations in Isiala Mbano LGA.
Nationwide toll
Available reports suggest more than 700 police officers have been killed in Nigeria over the past six years, though no central database exists.
A report by SBM Intelligence estimated 497 police deaths between 2015 and 2021. Additional reports show at least 229 officers killed between 2023 and 2024, with dozens more killed in 2025 and 2026.
Security analysts warn that the decline of rural policing is creating “ungoverned spaces” exploited by armed groups.
Former Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ambrose Jonathan said the force is overstretched and under-equipped.
Security expert Kabiru Adamu said the weakening of grassroots policing is worsening insecurity nationwide.
Vigilantes step in
In many affected communities, vigilante groups and hunters now provide the only security presence. Experts, however, warn that reliance on informal structures carries risks, including abuse and lack of accountability.
Residents say they have little choice.
“If there was a police station nearby, maybe attackers would think twice,” said Philip Joshua, a resident of Plateau State. “But when there is no security presence, people naturally organise to protect themselves.”
