Bandit Attacks Surge in Northwest Nigeria, Leaving Villages Devastated

In a series of violent attacks that underscores the urgent insecurity crisis facing Nigeria, armed assailants killed at least 30 individuals and burned homes and shops across three villages in Niger State on Saturday, according to residents who spoke to Reuters.

The violent raids occurred in the Borgu Local Government Area, near the border with Benin Republic, as part of a troubling increase in attacks blamed on so-called 'bandits.' These groups have engaged in deadly assaults, abductions for ransom, and widespread displacement of communities across northern Nigeria.

Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed fatalities and destruction in Tunga-Makeri, listing six deaths, and indicating the attack spread to Konkoso village. Local witnesses reported seeing military jets overhead as the attackers—on over 200 motorbikes—ravaged the area, with further details of the attacks remaining unclear.