In late June 2025, armed groups attacked multiple Nigerian military bases in the northern and central regions, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 soldiers and injuries to 10 others. The Nigerian Army reported that approximately 300 bandits were involved in the assault on bases in Niger State and parts of Kaduna State. These attacks are part of ongoing violence in the region. Subsequently, in early July 2025, a separate ambush by armed bandits targeted local vigilante groups in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria. This attack led to the deaths of at least 70 volunteer guards, with some reports indicating at least 40 fatalities among village self-defense groups. The Special Military Task Force, known as Operation Safe Haven, confirmed that eight vigilantes were killed during the ambush in Kanam Local Government Area. These incidents underscore the persistent security challenges faced by Nigerian military and civilian defense groups amid escalating violence from armed gangs and bandits.