Nigeria begins mass trial of 500 terrorism suspects

Nigeria has begun the prosecution of more than 500 people accused of involvement in militant attacks in one of the country's largest ever terrorism trials.

The suspects face charges linked to aiding and abetting terrorism, particularly in the north-east where an insurgency by the Boko Haram Islamist group began 17 years ago.

Since then insecurity has spread to many other areas of the West African nation, leaving communities, often those in rural areas, at the mercy of mushrooming militant groups and gangs that kidnap for ransom.

The mass trial opened on Tuesday at a high court in the capital, Abuja, where 227 suspects were arraigned before 10 judges, according to the attorney general.

Hundreds of people have lost their lives in bombings and various attacks across Nigeria this year alone.

Very few people are ever prosecuted over terror attacks - and suspects are often detained and spend years in custody without facing trial.

According to the AFP news agency, gunmen killed at least 20 people on Wednesday in the western state of Niger. Residents say the attackers raided villages in Shiroro district, an area where kidnapping gangs and Islamist militants are known to operate.

Security was tight during the court session on Tuesday, with suspects transported in heavily guarded convoys under military, police and intelligence supervision.

International observers, including human rights groups and the Nigerian Bar Association, were also present in court.

The defendants are alleged to have taken part in attacks mainly in northern Nigeria, while others face charges of supporting militants through funding, supplying arms and logistics.

Five of the accused have already been given varying jail terms - from seven to 20 years - after pleading guilty to charges that included selling livestock, supplying food and information to militant groups.

Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi said the scale of the operation showed the government's resolve to deal with the matter.

"The federal government is committed to ensuring that due process is followed while bringing those involved in terrorism to justice," he said.

Security expert Bashir Galma, a retired army major, told the BBC that the trial, which is expected to continue in phases, was a "positive development" and a "significant milestone" in Nigeria's fight against terrorism.

"For years Nigerians have been complaining about why they keep these suspects [in custody] instead of making them face the law for what they are suspected of doing," he said.

"This will bring some level of peace for people whose loved ones were killed or injured."

The trial would also dispelled rumours that suspects were routinely released after arrest "so that they can go back to their terrorism business", the analyst added.

However, he predicted that some of the accused could be released soon, given that they were arrested many years ago - a factor he said the judges would likely take into consideration.

By Mansur Abubakar and Chris Ewokor, BBC

US expands Nigeria travel warning, lets embassy staff leave Abuja

The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria and authorised the departure ​of non‑emergency U.S. government employees and their families ‌from the embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions across Africa’s most populous nation.

U.S. travel advisories often shape how investors, international ​organisations and airlines assess country risk. The move ​to allow staff departures signals heightened concern in Washington ⁠as kidnappings, banditry and attacks on security forces ​persist, particularly in northern Nigeria.

In an updated advisory late on ​Wednesday, the State Department kept Nigeria at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, but added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba to states Americans ​were warned not to visit. That brings to 23 ​out of 36 the number of states under the “Do Not Travel” ‌category.

The ⁠U.S. highlighted threats from Islamist insurgents in the northeast, criminal gangs in the northwest and ongoing violence in parts of southern and southeastern Nigeria, including oil‑producing regions.
Last month, ​Washington warned of ​a “terrorist threat” ⁠against U.S. facilities and affiliated schools in Nigeria.

The U.S. reviews the advisory several times ​a year and has kept Nigeria at ​Level 3 ⁠or Level 4 for much of the past decade due to persistent insecurity.

The U.S. military has multiple MQ-9 drones operating ⁠in ​Nigeria alongside 200 troops to provide ​training and intelligence support to the military, which is fighting Islamist militants ​across the north.

By MacDonald Dzirutwe, Reuters

Related story: Joint Security Forces Neutralize Bandits, Thwart Attack on Niger Communities

20 Killed, Multiple Abducted in Northwest Nigeria Village Raids

Armed men in Nigeria killed at least 20 people, including ​security guards, and abducted an unknown number ‌after attacking villages in northwestern Niger state, police and residents said late on Tuesday, the ​latest violence plaguing the north of ​the country.

The attack happened in Niger's Shiroro ⁠district, where kidnapping gangs and Islamist ​militants are known to operate.

Niger state police spokesperson ​Wasiu Abiodun said gunmen invaded Bagna and Erena villages on Tuesday and, when security responded, two ​community guards and a driver were killed ​and others injured.

But residents said at least 20 people ‌were ⁠killed and that the attackers, who also destroyed homes, operated for several hours and overwhelmed security personnel in the area.

Some ​villagers fled to ​the ⁠nearby towns of Gwada Zumba and Galadima Kogo, the residents said.

Insecurity ​is Nigeria's biggest problem and President ​Bola ⁠Tinubu is pushing to allow Nigeria's 36 states to establish their own police to ⁠help ​curb the violence.

Reuters

Related story: Dozens killed in Easter attacks in Nigeria

Dozens killed in Easter attacks in Nigeria

Dozens of people have been killed in multiple attacks in Nigeria over the Easter weekend.

France 24

Locals dispute Nigerian army claim of 31 rescued after Easter attack

Residents of a Nigerian community have disputed the army's assertion that it rescued 31 civilians held hostage following a Sunday morning church attack in the north.

The army had said that it freed the civilians seized by gunmen who had raided a church in Ariko, Kaduna state, during Easter celebrations. The authorities said five civilians had been killed, but a local church official put the number of dead at seven.

But the president of the Ariko community association, Joseph Ariko, told the BBC that the captives were still unaccounted for, and asked the army to name the rescued. "As far as we are concerned, all the abducted victims are still with the bandits."

The army has not yet responded.

It had said that soldiers engaged the attackers in a "fierce firefight", forcing them to flee and leave the hostages and the bodies of the dead victims behind.

Attacks and kidnappings for ransom are common occurrences in northern Nigeria, as the country grapples with security threats from jihadist groups and armed gangs, locally known as bandits.

Although the army said it responded swiftly to Sunday's attack, local media report that residents said the gunmen operated for a long time without facing resistance.

On Monday, Rev John Hayab of the Christian Association of Nigeria questioned the rescue claims after speaking with residents.

"Nobody has been rescued… If they are rescued, where did they take them to?" he told the BBC.

As a result of the firefight, officials had said the "fleeing terrorists" had "significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes".

Troops had also been deployed to hunt the insurgents and reinforce security.

The army urged residents to share information that can support operations against groups fuelling insecurity across the country.

In a separate incident, Nigeria's military killed 65 bandits following an offensive in Zamfara state, the AFP news agency reported on Sunday, days after a large group of bandits abducted residents from villages ‌in the state.

Police had on Saturday confirmed that there had been a mass abduction in villages in the state earlier in the week and a manhunt had been launched.

Late last year, the administration of US President Donald Trump raised concerns about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria - and urged the government to do more to improve security and strengthen protection for Christian communities.

Trump had previously claimed there was a "Christian genocide" under way in Nigeria - an allegation strongly rejected by Nigeria's government, which said Muslims, Christians and people of no faith were victims of attacks.

In February, US troops were deployed to Nigeria to train its forces and help them with intelligence in their fight against Islamist militants and other armed groups.

By Makuochi Okafor and Paul Njie, BBC

Gunmen kill at least 30 in Nigeria's Plateau state attack

Gunmen attacked a university community in Nigeria's central Plateau state on Sunday night, killing ​at least 30 people, residents and local officials said on Monday, ‌the latest bloodshed in a region scarred by deadly farmer-herder conflicts.

Violence in central Nigeria, known as the Middle Belt, is often painted as ethno-religious between ​mainly Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers. But many experts ​and politicians say climate change and expanding agriculture stoke ⁠competition for land, leading to conflicts regardless of faith or ethnicity.

Markus ​Audu Kando, a resident and co-chair of Plateau youth interfaith group ​said by phone: "As I speak with you, the figure is now 30 ... There are injured people at the hospital, but I cannot confirm their number."

Residents said ​the gunmen arrived in the Gari Ya Waye community of ​Angwan Rukuba district and shot at people indiscriminately.

The Plateau state government said the gunmen ‌were ⁠unknown and imposed a 48-hour curfew in the district. The University of Jos suspended examinations due to start on Monday.

“People were here in the evening and unfortunately, wicked terrorists came and attacked our ​people. We have ​counted scores ⁠of people who are now dead and then so many others are also in the hospital receiving ​treatment,” Paul Mancha, a resident and chairperson of the ​youth ⁠council in Plateau, said earlier.

U.S. President Donald Trump last November re-designated Nigeria "a country of particular concern" saying Christians were being targeted and authorities ⁠were failing ​to protect them, which the Nigerian ​government denies.

Reuters

Gunmen kill at least 20 in nighttime attack in Nigeria

A night attack on a community in Nigeria ’s north-central region left at least 20 people dead, residents and authorities said.

The attack occurred on Sunday night in Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North area of Plateau state, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the state commissioner for information, said in a statement. She did not give the number of casualties, but said there was “loss of lives” and injured.

The state government imposed a 48-hour curfew to prevent further attacks, Ramnap said.

No group has claimed responsibility but residents told The Associated Press that many gunmen on bikes shot sporadically into the community.

Ibukun Falodun, a resident, said that 20 people were confirmed dead.

Attacks in Plateau State are part of a long-running cycle of violence in north-central Nigeria, where disputes over land and grazing between mostly Muslim Fulani herders and largely Christian farming communities frequently escalate into deadly clashes. Criminal gangs are also active.

AP

Northern Nigeria on edge following series of attacks

A renewed wave of attacks in northern Nigeria, including suspected suicide bombings targeting crowded public places, has heightened tensions. At least 20 people have been killed and more than 100 others injured by militia in Borno State. The violence has also raised fresh security concerns ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, with analysts warning it could depress voter turnout in the northeast, where displacement and fear remain widespread.

CGTN Africa

Nigeria strengthens security after Maiduguri bombings

Nigeria is on high alert after suicide bombings in Maiduguri killed at least 23 people and injured more than 100 on Monday evening. Authorities have deployed additional troops, with Boko Haram insurgents suspected to have carried out the attack, though no group has claimed responsibility.

CGTN Africa

Related story: Nigeria suicide attacks kill 23, wound more than 100

Gunmen kill at least 15 in attacks on two villages in northwestern Nigeria

Gunmen killed at least 15 people on Tuesday during attacks on two villages in northwestern Nigeria, authorities said.

The villages of Falale and Kadobe — neighbouring communities in the Jibia area of Katsina State — were attacked in the early afternoon, according to Nasir Mu’azu, the state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs.

Mu’azu said local security forces had previously killed three gunmen during a firefight in the area. In retaliation, gunmen carried out a reprisal assault on Tuesday that left at least 15 people dead.

“Security forces have since restored order and stabilized the situation,” he said in a statement. “We appeal to residents to remain calm and allow security forces to complete their investigation.”

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Armed groups, known as ‘bandits’, regularly carry out raids and kidnappings for ransom in the northwest and north-central part of Nigeria.

Authorities have said the bandit groups include mostly former herders who took up arms against farming communities after clashes between them over increasingly strained resources.

Alongside attacks by bandits, Nigeria is also plagued by an insurgency fought by the Boko Haram extremist group and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province. Both groups are mostly active in northeastern Nigeria.

On Monday, suspected suicide bombings killed at least 23 people and wounded 108 others in the northeastern city of Maiduguri.

The security crisis in Africa’s most populous country has worsened recently to include other militants from the neighbouring Sahel region, including the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which claimed its first attack on Nigerian soil last year.

Several thousand people in Nigeria have been killed, according to data from the United Nations. Analysts say not enough is being done by the government to protect its citizens.

The U.S. sent troops last month to the West African nation to help advise its military on the fight against insecurity.

By Dyepkazah Shibayan, AP

Tinubu departs for UK amid worsening insecurity in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, for a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The President, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will be hosted at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.

The visit is considered historic, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, and the first time a Nigerian president will be received by a British monarch at Windsor Castle.

According to the Presidency, the trip is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between both countries, with key discussions expected to focus on trade, investment, immigration, and cultural exchange.

During the visit, Tinubu and his wife will view a special Royal Collection exhibition featuring items connected to Nigeria. The president is also expected to hold private talks with King Charles III and participate in engagements with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.

A state banquet will be hosted in honour of the Nigerian delegation.

Tinubu will also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both countries are expected to sign agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

The president is expected to witness the signing of a £746 million financing deal involving UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, to support the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

He will also attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and engage with business leaders as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora.

Meanwhile, authorities in Windsor have rolled out tight security measures ahead of the visit. Thames Valley Police say they are working with local authorities, the Royal Household, and other agencies to coordinate security operations for the high-profile event.

The police announced that airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle would be extended on March 18, alongside road closures and parking limitations expected to take effect from March 17, which might disrupt movement in the area.

Officials said the operation would include the deployment of specialised units such as armed officers, search teams, mounted patrols, and road policing personnel. Additional measures include surveillance systems and protective barriers to ensure public safety throughout the visit.

The visit comes amid a surge in killings across parts of Nigeria, with recent incidents of violence raising concerns about the country’s security situation.

Tbe ICIR reported earlier today that at least 23 people were confirmed dead following multiple explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State capital Monday night.

The Borno State Police Command, in a statement, said 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attacks, which were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.

According to the police, the explosions occurred at about 7:24 p.m. at three locations — Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area.

The attacks are the latest in a chain of killings, abductions and other criminal activities in Nigeria under Tinubu’s watch.

By Esther Tomo, ICIR

Nigeria suicide attacks kill 23, wound more than 100

Multiple explosions staged by suspected suicide bombers rocked the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, killing at least 23 people and wounding more than 100 others, police said Tuesday.

The three blasts, which struck on Monday evening, came after an attack on a military post overnight Sunday to Monday, which authorities blamed on suspected militants.

Combined with the attack on the military position the evening prior and a mosque bombing in December, the assaults have wrecked a peaceful stretch in the city, which had become a relative oasis of calm as Nigeria's long-running insurgency was pushed to the rural hinterlands.

Fighters from Boko Haram and rival group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have recently stepped up attacks in northeastern Nigeria.

Their 16-year campaign to establish a caliphate in the country has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million.

"Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers," police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso said in a statement.

"Regrettably, a total of twenty three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries," he added.

An anti-extremist militia member told AFP the death toll from the explosions in the city could be as high as 31.

An AFP reporter at a city hospital on Monday evening saw dozens of wounded people seeking treatment, as well as multiple bodies covered by sheets on the sidewalk outside.

The attackers struck the city's main market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and an area around the city's Post Office flyover.

Mala Mohammed, 31, who escaped the market blast said he initially heard two explosions and saw panicked people running.

"At that moment, we were not sure what had happened. But after about two or three minutes, other people who were running along the road started shouting that it was a bomb at the market entrance.

"Many of them ran toward the Post Office area because the market entrance and the Post Office are not far apart. Unfortunately, as they were running towards Post Office, the person who had the explosive device ran into the crowd while people were still trying to escape," said Mohammed.

'Barbaric' attacks

Police said in the early Tuesday morning statement that "normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas" and that security forces have increased their "presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences".

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum called the apparent bombings "barbaric" and said "the recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest," a known militant stronghold.

The earlier attack was launched around midnight Sunday into Monday, on a Nigerian military post in Ajilari Cross district, a southwestern suburb of Maiduguri and just a few kilometres (miles) from the city's airport.

That same evening there was an attack in the Damboa local government area, south of Maiduguri.

AFP

Nigeria positions oil sector amid Iran conflict

Nigeria positions oil sector amid Iran conflict With the Strait of Hormuz partially blocked and oil prices volatile, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister is engaging directly with Gulf producers. He urged them to view Nigeria not as a competitor but as a strategic diversification partner, arguing that the current market uncertainty presents a prime opportunity for Nigeria to leverage its position on the global stage.

CGTN Africa

Nigeria begins evacuation of Its citizens stranded in Iran

Authorities say no Nigerian in Iran has been affected by the conflict so far and that officials are stationed at the Armenian border to assist all evacuees. The Nigerian government has begun evacuating its citizens stranded in Iran as Israeli and US bombings continue in Tehran and other Iranian cities. 

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said Tuesday that no Nigerian in Iran has, so far, been affected by the conflict and that officials are posted at the Armenian border to receive and assist all evacuees. "Nigerians who wish to leave Iran are being safely escorted across the Armenian border by officials from the Nigerian embassy in Tehran, ensuring a smooth and secure passage for those wishing to depart," the Commission said in a statement. 

It did not specify the number of Nigerians living in Iran nor the number of citizens already evacuated. African countries have rushed to repatriate their nationals from the Middle East. Tanzania evacuated the first group of its citizens from the United Arab Emirates on Monday. The evacuees expressed relief as they reunited with their families at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. Iran says the war has killed more than 1,255 people and injured about 10,000.

By Dominic Wabwireh, Africa News

US warns citizens of fresh terror threat in Nigeria

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned of a possible terrorist threat targeting US facilities and US-affiliated schools in the country.

In a security notice issued via its website on Monday, the embassy said the alert was intended to inform American citizens in Nigeria of potential risks and advised them to take additional precautions when visiting U.S. diplomatic missions and affiliated institutions.

The notice asked US citizens to exercise increased vigilance when travelling to its offices in Abuja and Lagos, as well as schools affiliated with the United States.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens of a possible terrorist threat against U.S. facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools in Nigeria.

“The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens take additional precautions when travelling to the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, and U.S.-affiliated schools, to include varying times and routes,” the statement read.

The embassy advised American nationals to vary their travel times and routes, avoid predictable routines, and ensure their mobile phones are charged in case of emergencies.

“Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, review your personal security plans, vary your regular routes, keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency, stay alert in public places, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and familiarise yourself with emergency exits when entering buildings,” it said.

The embassy did not spell out the source of the threat.

The warning in Nigeria also comes amid a global security warning by the United States after Washington and Israel attacked Iran, which has responded with missile and drone attacks against its U.S.-aligned neighbours.

It also follows protests in Lagos and some northern states by members of the leadership of the Islamic Movement, who denounced the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the United States and Israel.

The development comes as Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of Iran’s Supreme Leader, reportedly died from injuries sustained during recent United States and Israeli strikes at her residence in Tehran.

Recall that President Donald Trump on Christmas Day ordered US bombings of Nigeria, saying he was targeting jihadists.

By Saheed Oyelakin, Punch

Nigeria: ‘Renewed Hope’ or ‘Hopelessness’?

Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu was elected on promises to tackle the nation’s widespread violence and address two of its root causes: Poverty and corruption. But with the country going to the polls next year, has he delivered on his "Renewed Hope" agenda? Mehdi Hasan goes head-to-head with Daniel Bwala, Tinubu’s once staunch critic-turned-Special Adviser on Media and Policy Communications, on the administration’s record in office and where he stands on his past accusations against his current boss.

CGTN Africa

How Nigeria spent over N8bn on abducted school children in a decade

Nigeria’s worsening insecurity has continued to place school children among the most vulnerable targets of criminal gangs.

SBM Intelligence reveals a new analysis, showing that Governments in Nigeria have paid nearly N8 billion in ransom linked to school abductions between 2014 and 2025, reinforcing a cycle that continues to make schools attractive targets for armed groups.

The analysis, entitled “Monkey Business: Timeline of Nigeria’s Government Funding of School Abductions (2014–2025)”, tracks publicly reported ransom payments made by federal and state authorities following major school kidnapping incidents across the country.

The timeline shows how ransom payments have gradually become embedded in the response to mass abductions, even though Nigerian law formally prohibits negotiating with kidnappers.

The timeline begins with the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, after which the federal government reportedly paid N5 billion as part of negotiations.

In 2018, another set of 276 school girls were kidnapped in Yobe, and an undisclosed ransom was paid.

In 2020, 275 school girls were kidnapped in Katsina State and the Government paid N30 million, while in 2021, in Niger State 200 girls were abducted and the government paid N50 million, the same year in Niger State another 42 girls were abducted and a ransom of N15 million was paid.

In Kaduna State 39 school girls were kidnapped in 2021, and the sum of N32 million was paid, and in Zamfara in the same year 279 were kidnapped and N60 million paid.

In 2024, Kaduna State witnessed another school children abduction with 287 kidnapped and a ransom of N1 billion paid and in 2025, 327 school children were abducted in Niger State and the government paid N2 billion.

SB Morgen Intelligence report shows that more than N8 billion has been expended through ransom payments, security operations, negotiations, and emergency responses following a wave of mass school kidnappings that has shaken communities and disrupted education nationwide.

In Febrauary 2026, an AFP investigation report alleged that the Nigerian Government paid a huge ransom estimated at N2 billion or up to $7 million, to secure the release of 230 pupils abducted from St, Mary Catholic School in November 2025.

Intelligence sources told AFP the money was flown by helicopter to Boko Haram commander, Ali Ngulde in Gwoza, with two militant commanders freed as part of the deal.

The Government has strongly denied the claims. However, there is a history, since 2014, Nigerian governments have paid nearly N6 billion ($4.4million) in confirmed ransom payments to armed groups for kidnapped school children.

Federal and State Authorities both participated, despite laws prohibiting such payments. Each ransom funds the next abduction, turning education into a target and ensuring the cycle of violence continues.

Ike Chilaka-Osuagwu, an Educationist, described the scenario as worrisome, and a point to the fact that the government lacks the political will to curb banditry and kidnapping, especially against school children in the country.

Besides, he emphasised that as far as the Government continues to divert resources to pay ransom, economic development will continue to elude the country.

“The Government lacks the political will to end this nonsense. It will continue to affect productivity, and encourage diversion of funds and energy required to improve the economy,” he said.

Abductions are a long-standing pattern in Nigeria. Between July 2023 and June 2024 alone, SBM Intelligence, an Africa-centric security analysis and strategic consulting firm, found that at least 7,568 people were kidnapped in 1,130 cases across the country.

During this period, the kidnappers demanded approximately N11 billion (about $7.5 million) as ransom, and received N1 billion (about $0.65 million).

This is despite the fact that the Nigerian Senate outlawed ransom payments to kidnappers in 2022 and made abduction punishable by death.

According to the report, all these payments illustrate how kidnapping for ransom has evolved into a structured criminal economy targeting schools in the country.

By Charles Ogwo, Business Day 

Attackers kill at least 50, abduct women and children in Nigeria’s Zamfara state

At least 50 people were killed and several women and children abducted after armed men attacked a village in Nigeria’s northwestern Zamfara state, a state lawmaker told Reuters last weekend.

Hamisu A. Faru, lawmaker representing Bukkuyum south, said the attackers raided Tungan Dutse village from around 5 p.m. on Thursday until about 3:30 a.m. on Friday, burning down buildings and shooting residents who tried to flee.

“They have been moving from one village to another … leaving at least 50 people dead,” Faru told Reuters by phone.

He said the number of abducted victims was yet to be determined. Traditional leaders and local government officials were still accounting for the missing.

A Zamfara state police spokesperson did not respond to calls seeking comment.

Abdullahi Sani, 41, a resident of Tungan Dutse, said three family members were killed in the attack.

“No one slept yesterday, we are all in pain,” he said.

A day earlier, residents contacted security forces and local authority when they saw more than 150 motorcycles carrying armed men. But the warning was ignored, Sani said.

Insecurity is a pressing concern in Nigeria and the government is under mounting pressure to restore stability.

There has been a surge in attacks blamed on “bandits”, who have carried out deadly assaults, abductions for ransom, and displaced communities across northern Nigeria.

Reuters

Nigeria’s President Tinubu warns terrorist activities are threats to development

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has expressed grave concern over the rising tide of terrorism and banditry, which he sees as major threats to the country's development. While he remains confident that Nigeria will overcome these challenges, the ongoing security issues continue to disrupt daily life and hinder progress.

CGTN Africa

Related story: US deploys 100 soldiers to Nigeria as attacks by armed groups surge

US deploys 100 soldiers to Nigeria as attacks by armed groups surge

The United States has sent 100 military personnel to northern Nigeria to train and advise local forces, as deadly threats rise from armed groups such as Boko Haram and ISIL (ISIS)-linked factions.

Samaila Uba, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters spokesman, confirmed the US troops’ arrival in the northeastern area of Bauchi on Monday.

He said they will provide “technical support” and “intelligence sharing” to help target and defeat “terrorist organisations”. The US also sent “associated equipment” to support the mission.

Uba stressed that the US soldiers will not play a direct combat role, but will share technical expertise under the full command authority of Nigerian forces.

“The armed forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security, and the safety of its citizens,” said the military spokesman in comments carried by Nigeria’s Premium Times newspaper.

Last weekend, gunmen on motorcycles rampaged through three villages in northern Nigeria, killing at least 46 people and abducting many others. The bloodiest attack happened in the village of Konkoso, in Niger State, where at least 38 people were shot dead or had their throats slit.
Protracted fight

The US deployment follows an easing of tensions that flared between Washington and Nigeria late last year, when US President Donald Trump accused the country of failing to stop killings against Christians and threatened to intervene militarily.

The Nigerian government has rejected Trump’s accusation, and analysts say people across all faiths, not just Christians, are victims of armed groups’ violence

In December, US forces launched air strikes on ISIL-affiliated fighters in the country’s northwest. Last month, following discussions with Nigerian authorities in Abuja, the head of US Africa Command confirmed that a small team of US military officers were in Nigeria, focused on intelligence support.

Nigeria is facing a protracted fight with dozens of local armed groups increasingly battling for turf, including the homegrown Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

There is also the ISIL-linked Lakurawa, as well as other “bandit” groups that specialise in kidnapping for ransom and illegal mining.

Recently, the crisis worsened to include other fighters from the neighbouring Sahel region, including the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which claimed its first attack on Nigerian soil last year.

Several thousand people in Nigeria have been killed, according to data from the United Nations.

While Christians have been among those targeted, analysts and residents say the majority of victims of the armed groups are Muslims in the Muslim-dominated north, where most attacks occur.

Nigeria’s 240 million people are evenly split between Christians, mainly in the south, ‌and Muslims, mostly in the north.

Al Jazeera

Related story: US announces military team sent to Nigeria after recent attacks

Trump Says There Could Be More US Strikes In Nigeria