Violence has surged across several northern states of Nigeria following United States airstrikes targeting Islamic State–linked militants in Sokoto State, with at least 47 people killed and 35 others kidnapped in coordinated attacks by bandits, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Findings compiled by Punch Newspapers indicate that between December 25, 2025, and January 2, 2026, communities in Adamawa, Zamfara, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Yobe, Kano, Kebbi and Kogi states were hit by a series of deadly assaults. More than a dozen people were also reported injured during the period.
In Kogi State, suspected bandits abducted residents from Omi-Ara in Yagba West LGA, while gunmen also attacked Odo-Ere, kidnapping at least four people. On December 30, women and children travelling from Wanke to Gusau were abducted but later rescued by security operatives.
In Kwara State, more than eight persons were kidnapped during an attack on Adanla community in Ifelodun LGA on December 27.
The traditional ruler of Aafin community, Oba S. Y. Olaonipekun, and his son serving with the NYSC were also abducted in the Ile-Ire district, according to community sources.
In Kebbi State, coordinated attacks on Kaiwa, Gelawu and Gebbe villages in Shanga LGA on December 29 reportedly left at least eight people dead. Zamfara State recorded the abduction of 16 women in Sabon-Layi village, Gusau LGA, alongside two fatalities and several injuries.
Plateau State witnessed the killing of seven farmers in an attack on Bum community in Jos South LGA, while gunmen in Nasarawa State struck Kunza community in Ashigye village, Lafia LGA, killing three persons and injuring nine on December 31.
Bandits also kidnapped five travellers along Ogbe-Egbe Road on December 26.
ISWAP claimed responsibility for firing mortars at a Nigerian military camp in Goniri, Yobe State, though authorities did not disclose details of damage.
Boko Haram Attack in Adamawa
Confirming a separate incident, the Chairman of Hong LGA in Adamawa State, Usman Inuwa, said Boko Haram fighters killed 14 people in Mubang and Zar villages near the Sambisa Forest.
“Around 9pm, Boko Haram invaded Mubang and Zar villages. They killed 14 people, shot two others and burnt houses and foodstuffs,” Inuwa said, lamenting the vulnerability of communities around ungoverned forest areas.
In Kano State, bandits attacked Yankwada, Babanduhu and nearby villages in Shanono LGA, killing one person and rustling livestock after a prolonged gun battle with troops.
While the Army confirmed the attack, it disputed reports of fatalities and cattle rustling.
Security sources told Punch Newspapers that militants displaced by the U.S. airstrikes may be relocating into neighbouring states, heightening tensions in rural communities.
The Nigerian Air Force has reportedly intensified aerial surveillance across parts of Birnin-Gwari, Niger State, and border areas with Kebbi, as preventive measures.
Credit: Punch Newspapers
