• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

"The attackers, identified as Fulani ethnic militia, targeted two Cherubim and Seraphim churches and an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) church. They took the worshippers hostage and marched them into the nearby wilderness. The incident sparked widespread outrage and concerns about insecurity in northern Nigeria." Terrorist organisations in parts of northern Nigeria have intensified violent attacks, spreading their networks beyond the regions despite sustained efforts by the Nigerian armed forces, even with the collaboration of the United States military forces. In the last two months since the airstrike launched on one of the enclaves of the extremists groups in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, surveys show that no fewer than 500 people have been killed in violent attacks while over 211 others have been taken hostage. After the December 25 air strike, there are indications that there is a renewed wave of violent attacks, raising questions as to whether the terror groups got provoked by the US intervention rather than get deterred. In less than 24 hours after the Sokoto airstrike by United States forces, armed bandits were intercepted as they were preparing to launch an attack on Gwande community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on December 26. 7 travellers abducted in Kwara On the same December 26, 2025, gunmen struck near Adanla in Ifelodun area of Kwara State. The attackers abducted seven travellers, raising early fears that insurgent-linked networks were expanding southward beyond traditional conflict areas. Coordinated raids across North-West, others Between December 27 and 31, 2025, security tracking revealed that from December 26 onward, rural communities across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states experienced constant raids. Villages were attacked, dozens killed, and hundreds abducted by armed groups. Similarly, on December 31, 2025, extremist fighters attacked communities in Adamawa State, torching homes and issuing ideological ultimatums to civilians. In one case, militants burned homes in Higa village and issued threats demanding conversion, taxation or death. Early January 2026 resurgence The early days of January were marked by displacement and panic migration. Thousands fled rural settlements amid threats from armed gangs and militant factions seeking revenge or strategic repositioning. It was gathered that Nigeria's conflict had entered a 'hybrid phase', where ideological terrorists, criminal bandits and trans-Sahel jihadist networks increasingly overlapped. 42 killed in Niger State On January 5, 2026, bandits attacked communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of the state, killing at least 42 people, including children, and abducting many others. The attack followed earlier school abductions in the same region, which suggested that educational institutions remained high-value targets of the insurgents. 177 worshipers kidnapped in Kaduna On January 18, gunmen stormed three churches during worship services in Kurmin Wali village, Kaduna State, and abducted 177 worshipers. Security experts said the scale suggested advanced intelligence gathering and logistical preparation by attackers. The attackers, identified as Fulani ethnic militia, targeted two Cherubim and Seraphim churches and an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) church. They took the worshippers hostage and marched them into the nearby wilderness. The incident sparked widespread outrage and concerns about insecurity in northern Nigeria. The Nigerian Police initially denied the abductions but later confirmed the incident and launched security operations to rescue the victims. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported that 172 persons were taken away, but nine later escaped, leaving 163 missing. Fortunately, all 166 people abducted, though reports varied on the exact number, were released on February 5, 2026, after what was described as sustained efforts by security agencies, local authorities, and community leaders. The same period also saw suicide attacks targeting military convoys in the North East. Five soldiers killed in Borno suicide attack On January 21, 2026, a suicide bomber reportedly rammed into a military convoy in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State, killing five soldiers and injuring several others. Massacre in Borno From January 29 to 30, 2026, gunmen linked to Boko Haram or ISWAP launched coordinated attacks in Sabon Gari in Borno State. Construction workers and military personnel were targeted. Casualty estimates ranged between 20 and 60 deaths. The attackers also struck a nearby army base in a pre-dawn raid, killing soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force members. 160 killed in Kwara massacre Armed violence shifted dramatically toward Nigeria's north central state of Kwara. From February 3 to 4, 2026, in one of the deadliest single attacks in recent Nigerian history, gunmen attacked Woro and Nuku villages overnight, killing more than 160 people. Survivors reported that the attackers rounded up residents, executed some, and burned homes and shops. Some reports suggested that bandits had demanded allegiance to extremist religious codes before launching the killings. Another report placed the casualty figure at 170 and confirmed widespread destruction of homes. Wider regional killings By February 5, 2026, there were reports that mass-casualty attacks took place across parts of the North-West and Middle Belt. Three killed, 11 abducted in Kauru, Kaduna About 3:20am on February 7, 2026, gunmen attacked Kauru village in Kaduna State, killing three persons and abducting 11 others, including a Catholic priest. The attack followed a pattern of targeting vulnerable rural Christian communities during night hours. Killings, abduction in multi-village raids Between February 14 and 15, 2026, there were reports of gunmen on motorcycles attacking multiple villages in northern Nigeria. The reports indicated dozens were killed and many abducted. The attacks followed a familiar pattern of rapid entry, indiscriminate shooting and quick withdrawal before security forces could respond. All eyes on schoolchildren Boarding schools are witnessing declining enrollment in northern Nigeria and beyond. Many of the returning students are still traumatised, having witnessed violent mass abduction in the past. Hundreds of school children were abducted from St. Marys Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21, 2025. Although their return after several days in captivity was celebrated, some of the children returned home hesitant to step back into classrooms. 10 children abducted in Benue, Oyo On February 8, 2026, nine children were abducted during a church prayer gathering at St. John Catholic Church in Utonkon, Benue State. The children, comprising six girls and three boys, were later rescued by security agencies. The threat quietly spread south. On February 12, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State, a 12-year-old secondary schoolgirl was abducted, while walking to school in the morning. Masked men seized her near the school junction before fleeing. 32 killed in Niger on February 14 No fewer than 32 persons were reported to have been killed on February 14, when bandits attacked some villages in Niger State, including Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa. The number of people abducted was not specified. The attacked villages are in the Borgu Local Government Area, near the border with Benin Republic. One killed in Plateau, monarch murdered in Ondo One person was killed on February 16, 2026 when bandits attacked Garga community in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State. The bandits were also said to have rustled cattle. The traditional ruler of Agamo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun was killed by bandits on February 18, 2026, in what was described as a kidnap attempt. 34 killed in Kebbi On February 19, 2026, gunmen linked to Lakurawa terrorists raided multiple villages in Kebbi State killing no fewer than 34 civilians. 50 killed in Zamfara No fewer than 50 civilians, according to media reports, were killed in a massacre that took place in Zamfara State on February 20, 2026. Women and children were also reported to have been abducted. The bandits raided Tungan Dutse village in Anka Local Government, razed buildings and shot residents who tried to flee. 33 killed in Biu, Kebbi On February 20, 2026, there were simultaneous attacks in the Biu area of Arewa Local Government of Kebbi State, during which 33 persons were reported dead. 11 killed in Plateau On February 23, 2026, gunmen attacked Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing nine people, and injuring three others. Also, one person was shot dead in Jol village attack in Riyom Local Government Area. In the same vein, four traders were killed when terrorists ambushed a group of six shoe sellers traveling from Gangare in Jos to Pankshin council for business. 6 abducted in Owo church On Wednesday February 25, 2026, gunmen attacked a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Uso Parish, in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. They abducted six worshippers during an early morning service. The police confirmed the incident, though a few hours later on the same day, one of the victims was rescued. Security agencies later arrested a suspected informant linked to the incident. It was the same Owo, where over 40 worshippers were massacred by terrorists in 2022 at St. Francis Catholic Church. 24 villagers killed in Adamawa At least, 24 residents were killed following an attack by gunmen in Kirchinga village, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State on February 24, 2026. The gunmen reportedly stormed the community and set homes, shops and places of worship ablaze. 5 persons killed in Kebbi mosque On Wednesday February 25, 2026, five persons lost their lives to an attack by some suspected Lakurawa terrorists at Dadinkowa community Mosque, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The attack was carried out while the worshippers were at evening prayers. Retired teacher murdered on February 23 A retired teacher in Oyo State, Mr Abel Atilola, was ambushed and killed near his farm in Irawo, Tede, ATISBO Local Government Area, Oyo State, Monday, February 23, 2026. But the death was reported in the press on February 27. The police said an investigation had begun. 29 killed Kebbi, Adamawa, Sokoto and Kwara February 27 On February 27, 2026, bandits carried out coordinated raids in several northern states, including Kebbi, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Kwara States. The gunmen.gunmen attacked villages, including a mosque in Maiyama in Kebbi, and farms. It was reported that they killed at least 29 people. Also, they abducted numerous villagers. The causalities comprises five worshippers shot dead in Kebbi inside a mosque. Then, Sokoto and Adamawa saw about 20 other killings, and Kwara's Babanla community had four family members kidnapped from their farm. Two killed, 3 abducted in Kogi on February 28 Media reports revealed that on February 28, 2026, two persons were killed during an attack in the Ojuwo-Ubele area of Akpanya district, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area o Kovi State. The deceased were said to be a shop owner and an assistant commandant of the local forestry-security service. The bandits also abducted three others. Farmer killed in Ondo on March 2 A farmer was killed in Ayede Ogbese, Ondo State on March 2, 2026, which led to a protest by villagers on March 3, 2026. Residents of Ayede Ogbese barricaded the Akure-Owo Highway to protest repeated bandit violence in and around the community. Four abducted victims rescued in Edo on March 3 On March 3, troops of 4 Brigade in Edo State carried out night operations in Warake Forest in Auchi Local Government, and neutralised a notorious kidnapper. They also rescued four abducted victims. 14 soldiers, Imam killed, scores abducted in Borno March 4, 2026 saw one of the deadliest incidents in the period under review. In Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, ISWAP fighters attacked army bases at Ngoshe and Pulka late Tuesday night into early Wednesday March 4. They reportedly killed at least 14 soldiers, according to Reuters, though some local media organisations reported that nine soldiers lost their lives. They also snuffed life out of the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, apart from abducting scores of people and displacing many residents, mostly women and children from Ngoshe and a nearby IDP camp. 2 killed, father and daughter abducted in Enugu In Igbo Eze North Local Government of Enugu State,, suspected kidnappers attacked a parish house, and killed two neighbourhood-watch members. They also abducted a man and his daughter on March 4 Four passengers abducted in Oyo March 4 Suspected bandits attacked some vehicles travelling along the Igbeti-Kishi route, linking parts of Oyo State and Kwara State. The gunmen reportedly whisked away the passengers into nearby forests on Wednesday night. Though Oyo State Police Command confirmed that four persons were.abducted, reports from other commercial drivers mentioned eight. Security experts verdict Security experts interpreted the incidents as evidence of heightened terrorists mobilisation immediately after the US strike. Oladayo Tade, Professor of criminology and sociology at the University of Ibadan, told Saturday Sun that killings and abductions across Nigeria raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the United States military airstrike in Sokoto. According to him, communities grappling with fresh waves of violence, internal displacement, and abductions since the American intervention are unlikely to describe the strike as successful. He argued that unsustained or isolated military actions might have compounded insecurity. There is hardly any week that passes without a record of killings in Plateau, Kwara, Benue, or across the core northern region. "Reports on insecurity do not tell us that our security has improved since America struck. Rather, we see more daring bands of criminals attacking communities, burning houses, abducting people, and displacing others, Tade stated. Outlining a path forward, the don called for decisive action and political will, urging President Bola Tinubu to take firm control of the security architecture and lead from the front. Our government must not spare criminals. We have lost too many Nigerians, including personnel in the security agencies. All security moles within our agencies must be unearthed, and anyone fuelling insecurity must face the full weight of the law, he said. He further advocated stronger collaboration between federal and state governments, intelligence-sharing among contiguous states, and strategic investment in local weapon development to reduce dependence on foreign powers. There is no country that will love Nigeria more than Nigerians. Only Nigeria and Nigerians can solve Nigerias insecurity problems. The government must address the underlying conditions driving insecurity and ensure that citizens do not lose faith in its capacity and will to defend them. "When people lose confidence in their government, their allegiance can shift to wherever they believe protection lies," Tade declared. Source: https://thesun.ng/despite-us-airstrikes-terror-attacks-escalate/