Terrorists Kidnapped, Killed 106 Health Workers in Three Years – Report

A new report has revealed that at least 106 health workers were kidnapped or killed by terrorists and other armed groups across Nigeria between 2023 and 2025, raising fresh concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals working in conflict-affected areas.
The report said the attacks have severely disrupted healthcare delivery, particularly in northern states where insecurity remains widespread. Medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, community health workers, and other frontline staff, have increasingly become targets of kidnappings, killings, and violent assaults while carrying out their duties.
According to the findings, the growing wave of attacks has forced some healthcare workers to flee high-risk communities, leading to the closure of health facilities and limiting access to essential medical services for thousands of residents.
Health experts warned that the continued targeting of medical personnel could worsen Nigeria’s healthcare challenges by discouraging professionals from accepting postings in insecure areas and reducing access to life-saving treatment for vulnerable populations.
Stakeholders have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen the protection of health facilities and medical workers, improve security in conflict-prone regions, and ensure those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice. They stressed that safeguarding healthcare workers is critical to maintaining essential health services and improving public health outcomes across the country.