A surge of deadly attacks has struck multiple northern Nigerian states in the wake of recent U.S. air operations targeting Islamic State–linked militants in Sokoto State. Investigations indicate that between December 25, 2025, and January 2, 2026, coordinated assaults by bandits, Boko Haram, and ISWAP fighters resulted in at least 47 deaths and the abduction of 35 people, with numerous others injured.
The violence has affected a wide area, including Adamawa, Zamfara, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Yobe, Kano, and Kebbi, showing a disturbing spread across the region. In Kogi State, armed men attacked the Omi-Ara community in Yagba West LGA, kidnapping multiple residents, while a separate raid in Odo-Ere saw four people abducted. On December 30, women and children traveling from Wanke to Gusau were also seized but later rescued during a security operation.
Kwara State experienced repeated incidents. On December 27, over eight individuals were kidnapped in Adanla, Ifelodun LGA. Days later, gunmen abducted the traditional ruler of Aafin community, Oba S. Y. Olaonipekun, and his NYSC-serving son in the Ile-Ire axis. In Kebbi State, coordinated attacks on Kaiwa, Gelawu, and Gebbe villages in Shanga LGA on December 29 reportedly killed at least eight people.
Zamfara State recorded one of the most harrowing episodes, as attackers stormed Sabon-Layi village, abducting 16 women, killing two residents, and injuring several others. Plateau State’s Bum community in Jos South LGA saw seven farmers killed, while in Nasarawa State, gunmen attacked Kunza in Ashigye village, Lafia LGA on December 31, killing three and injuring nine. Bandits also kidnapped five travelers along the Ogbe-Egbe Road on December 26.
ISWAP fighters reportedly launched mortar attacks on a Nigerian military base in Goniri, Yobe State, though details on casualties or damage remain unclear.
Boko Haram Strike in Adamawa Leaves 14 Dead
In a separate attack, Hong LGA Chairman Usman Inuwa confirmed that Boko Haram insurgents killed 14 residents in Mubang and Zar villages near the Sambisa Forest. The attackers struck around 9 p.m., injuring two others and burning dozens of houses and food stores. Inuwa linked the recurring violence to the extensive ungoverned territories surrounding the forest, which continue to leave rural communities vulnerable.
Kano State also saw bandit raids in Yankwada, Babanduhu, and surrounding villages in Shanono LGA, resulting in one death and livestock theft. Witnesses reported that about 50 motorcycles carried the attackers, who clashed with security forces into the early hours of the next day. Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, claimed the attack was retaliation for the killing of nine bandits by the military the previous week. However, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the incident but denied fatalities and cattle theft.
Security sources suggest that militants displaced by the U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto are relocating to neighboring states. Movements have been noted through Katsina and Zamfara into Niger and Kaduna, while others reportedly flee from Kebbi toward Kwara and parts of the South-West. Local vigilante groups have intensified internal security, confiscating weapons and motorcycles from members violating peace agreements.
The Nigerian Air Force has also stepped up aerial surveillance, conducting daily patrols over Birnin-Gwari, Niger State, and border areas near Kebbi, preventing Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in Kaduna. Despite these measures, another bandit raid on Adanla, Ifelodun LGA, on Wednesday evening led to the abduction of eight residents and injuries to several others, forcing villagers from Aafin and Adanla to flee to safer areas.
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