106 Health Workers Lost to Kidnappers, Terror Attacks in Three Years, Report Reveals

A new report has revealed that at least 106 health workers were either kidnapped or killed by terrorists, armed groups and criminal gangs in Nigeria between 2023 and 2025, highlighting the growing threat faced by medical personnel operating in conflict affected areas.

The report, based on data from international conflict monitoring sources, showed that 91 health workers were abducted while 15 others were killed during 101 separate incidents involving attacks on healthcare workers and facilities across the country within the three year period.

According to the findings, only 10 of those kidnapped were confirmed to have regained their freedom, while some victims suffered tragic outcomes even after surviving initial attacks. One doctor who was abducted after being shot in December 2025 was released in January 2026 but was later killed after returning home.

The report showed that attacks on health workers increased annually, with 2023 recording 24 incidents involving 24 kidnappings and six deaths. In 2024, the number rose to 34 incidents, with 35 health workers abducted and three killed.

The data further revealed that the trend continued into 2025 as armed groups intensified attacks on healthcare personnel, worsening fears among medical professionals working in vulnerable communities.

The development adds to concerns over the impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s healthcare system, as doctors, nurses, community health workers and other medical personnel increasingly become targets of attacks, particularly in rural and conflict prone areas.

Security experts have warned that the targeting of healthcare workers could worsen the country’s health crisis by discouraging professionals from working in areas where communities already struggle with limited access to medical services.

The attacks have also disrupted healthcare delivery, with some facilities forced to reduce operations or shut down temporarily due to threats from terrorists, bandits and other armed groups.

Nigeria has continued to battle multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West and kidnapping for ransom across several regions.

The report’s findings have renewed calls for stronger protection measures for healthcare workers, improved intelligence gathering and coordinated security strategies to safeguard medical facilities and personnel.

Health workers’ associations and humanitarian organisations have repeatedly urged authorities to treat attacks on healthcare providers as a national security concern, warning that insecurity could further weaken access to essential health services for millions of Nigerians.

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