World · Africa · 2 hrs ago
Gunmen kill 24 in attacks in northwest and central Nigeria
Gunmen killed 24 people in two attacks in northwest and central Nigeria over the weekend.
In Zamfara state, gangs ambushed traders travelling to a market, killing 13 people, including eight soldiers, a police officer and four traders.
Eleven people were wounded in that attack.
In Niger state, suspected jihadists killed 11 people, including four local security volunteers, and residents fled across the border into Benin.
The attacks come amid rising violence blamed on armed gangs that kidnap people and steal cattle, as well as jihadist groups.
The violence has forced communities in Niger state to leave their homes.
Separately, Nigeria's military said it killed more than 40 Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in an airstrike in Borno state.
Gunmen killed 24 people in two attacks in northwest and central Nigeria over the weekend, residents and aid workers said.
The victims included eight soldiers and a policeman, while 11 people were wounded in one of the attacks.
On Sunday, gangs ambushed a convoy of traders travelling to a market in Bukkuyum district, Zamfara state, killing 13 people.
Suspected jihadists killed 11 people in an incursion in Borgu district, Niger state, near the border with Benin.
Residents have faced increasing attacks blamed on gangs involved in kidnapping for ransom and cattle rustling, and on jihadist groups.
- Who
- Gunmen, including gangs and suspected jihadists, killed 24 people.
- What
- Two attacks killed 24 people, including eight soldiers and a policeman.
- When
- Over the weekend; one attack took place on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Bukkuyum district in Zamfara state and Borgu district in Niger state, Nigeria.
- Why
- The sources do not state the attackers’ specific motives. They describe wider attacks as being blamed on gangs involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling, and on jihadist groups.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Suspected jihadists killed 11 people in an incursion in Borgu district, Niger state.
Gangs ambushed a convoy of traders in Bukkuyum district, Zamfara state, killing 13 people.
Residents and aid workers reported the attacks and their death toll.
The military said it had killed more than 40 ISWAP fighters in an airstrike in Guzamala district, Borno state.
- Total killed
- 24
- Bukkuyum attack
- 13 killed, including eight soldiers, one policeman and four traders
- Borgu attack
- 11 killed, including four village vigilantes
- Wounded in Bukkuyum
- 11, including three soldiers
- Airstrike in Guzamala
- More than 40 ISWAP fighters killed, according to the military
What people are saying
The bandits killed 13 people in the ambush, including eight soldiers, one policeman and four traders, including a woman.
become a nightmare for travellers
The Lakurawa terrorists killed 11 people, four of them vigilantes providing security to the village.
Sources
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