신선한 공격에서 주민 49명, 무장단 10명 사망

Fresh bandit attacks in Nigeria’s Kebbi, Kwara, and Plateau states leave dozens dead. Security forces respond to the violence, killing 10 terrorists. Read More: https://punchng.com/49-villagers-10-bandits-killed-in-fresh-attacks/

No fewer than 49 villagers have been confirmed dead following coordinated bandit attacks in Kebbi and Kwara states, while troops killed 10 suspected terrorists during a military operation in Plateau State.

Saturday PUNCH reports that the latest wave of violence, which cut across three states, has heightened fears over worsening insecurity, particularly in rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups.

In Kebbi, at least 44 persons were killed in a series of coordinated attacks on villages in Shanga Local Government Area, described by authorities as one of the deadliest incidents recorded in recent months.

The affected communities Gebe, Kalkami, Kawara, Kasoshi, Awaye, Tungar Rini, Binuwa, and Dabe were attacked simultaneously, leaving dozens of families in mourning and several others displaced.

Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Bashir Usman, said security forces had responded decisively and launched a statewide clearance operation.

“Further to our earlier press release dated April 6, 2026, the Kebbi State Police Command has responded decisively to the coordinated attack that affected the villages… resulting in 44 casualties,” he said.

“Following the attack, in line with directives of the Inspector-General of Police, massive deployments of police and other security agencies have been made, leading to the return of relative calm in the affected areas, while discreet investigations have commenced.”

The operation, ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, is aimed at flushing out armed groups from forests, border communities, and remote settlements across the state.

Police authorities said early gains had been recorded, including the recovery of two AK-47 rifles along the Illo–Kamba axis, as patrols and intelligence-led raids intensify.

Reacting to the killings, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, called for calm and urged residents to support security agencies.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements. Community cooperation is key to preventing further attacks,” he said.

Communities in Kebbi and across the North-West region have faced repeated attacks by armed groups, often resulting in high casualty figures and mass displacement.

Rural areas such as Shanga LGA remain particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to forest hideouts and porous borders, making them frequent targets.

The latest killings add to growing concerns over civilian safety, especially as the farming season approaches a period when many residents depend on access to their farmlands.

In Kwara State, five forest guards were killed during an early Friday attack on Nuku village in Kaiama Local Government Area.

The Kwara State Government, in response, announced the constitution of a high-powered security strategy committee to address rising insecurity in the state’s northern axis.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, on Friday described the slain guards as heroes.

“I received with sadness the news of the attack on Nuku community. These forest guards died protecting their people. They will forever remain heroes. Nothing can truly compensate for their sacrifice,” the governor said.

He disclosed that the committee, chaired by retired Major General G.A. Wahab, comprises retired senior military and security officers of Kwara origin.

According to him, the committee will provide strategic guidance on intelligence coordination, community protection, and long-term security planning.

“We are committed to supporting the families of the victims and strengthening our security architecture to prevent future occurrences,” he added.

Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command said the attack targeted a Police Mobile Force camp in the community.

In a statement on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the assailants opened fire on the camp, killing five members of the National Forest Guard and damaging a police patrol vehicle before they were repelled.

“At about 03:45hrs, bandits launched a coordinated attack on the PMF camp at Nuku village, where five members of the National Forest Guard were fatally shot,” the statement read.

“Extensive damage was done to a patrol vehicle belonging to police operatives before the PMF personnel in the camp repelled the bandits.”

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, condemned the attack and assured residents that efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible.

“Continuous monitoring of the situation is ongoing to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further security breaches,” the command stated.

The police also urged members of the public to support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could aid in the arrest of those responsible.

Meanwhile, in Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace killed 10 suspected terrorists during a coordinated clearance operation in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas.

The operation, carried out on Thursday in Daba and Seri villages, also led to the rescue of several kidnap victims and the recovery of weapons.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Chinonso Oteh, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.

“The operation, conducted as part of ongoing offensive clearance operations codenamed Operation WUTAN DAJI, underscores the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring security along identified terrorists’ corridors,” he said.

According to him, troops established blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and the Odare Forest before engaging a large group of armed men on motorcycles.

“Despite initial resistance, the terrorists were overwhelmed with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of 10 terrorists, while some fled in disarray into the surrounding forest,” he said.

He added that troops conducted follow-up operations across Suma Suga and Takwok villages, recovering arms and logistics materials abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

Items recovered include three AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, motorcycles, and fuel suspected to be for terrorist operations.

Residents of the affected communities commended the military for the operation, saying it had brought relief after years of attacks.

“Kanam and Wase have been terrorised by bandits for a long time. Now, people can go about their normal activities without fear,” a resident, Jamilu Suleiman, said.

Another resident, Garba Suleman, said the sustained operations had begun to restore confidence among locals.

For years, communities in Wase and Kanam have suffered persistent attacks involving killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and destruction of property.

Security forces have intensified patrols and clearance operations targeting forest corridors linking Plateau with neighbouring Bauchi and Taraba states, often used by armed groups for movement of weapons and supplies.