Armed groups have intensified violence across several northern states of Nigeria in the wake of United States air strikes targeting Islamic State–linked militants in Sokoto State, findings by Saturday Punch have revealed.
Between December 25, 2025 and January 2, 2026, no fewer than 47 people were killed and 35 kidnapped in a series of attacks by bandits, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, according to media tallies. Over a dozen others were injured in the spate of violence.
Communities in Adamawa, Zamfara, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Yobe, Kano and Kebbi states were targeted in attacks attributed to different armed groups.
In Kogi State, suspected bandits abducted several people from the Omi‑Ara community in Yagba West LGA, while in the same council area, gunmen attacked the Odo‑Ere community, kidnapping at least four residents.
On December 30, women and children travelling from Wanke to Gusau were kidnapped but later rescued by security forces.
In Kwara State, over eight people were abducted in an attack on the Adanla community in Ifelodun LGA on December 27.
In Kebbi State’s Shanga LGA, coordinated gunmen attacks on Kaiwa, Gelawu and Gebbe villages on December 29 left at least eight people dead.
In Zamfara State, an assault on Sabon‑Layi village in Gusau LGA saw 16 women abducted, two people killed, and several injured.
Plateau State also reported violence, with seven farmers killed in an attack on the Bum community in Jos South LGA.
In Kwara’s Ile‑Ire district, the traditional ruler of Aafin community, Oba S. Y. Olaonipekun, and his NYSC‑serving son were abducted, community sources said.
Gunmen attacked the Kunza community in Ashigye village, Lafia LGA, Nasarawa State, killing three people and injuring nine on December 31.
On December 26, bandits kidnapped five travellers along Ogbe‑Egbe Road and injured another.
ISWAP also claimed to have fired mortars at a Nigerian military camp in Goniri, Yobe State, though the extent of damage was not disclosed.
Boko Haram Massacre In Adamawa
Confirming yet another brutal strike, the Chairman of Hong LGA in Adamawa State, Usman Inuwa, said Boko Haram killed 14 people in the villages of Mubang and Zar, near the Sambisa Forest.
“Around 9pm on that day, Boko Haram invaded Mubang and Zar villages… They killed 14 people, shot two people and burnt dozens of houses with foodstuffs,” Inuwa said.
He lamented that the vast, ungoverned areas around the forest made villages vulnerable to attacks.
In Kano State, bandits attacked Yankwada, Babanduhu and other villages in Shanono LGA on Thursday night, killing one person and rustling livestock.
The assailants, riding about 50 motorcycles, engaged troops in a heavy gun battle that lasted into Friday morning.
Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, claimed the raid was retaliatory after nine of their members were killed in clashes with the military last week.
When contacted, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, confirmed the attack but disputed the scale of violence.
“All the details are true except that they didn’t kill anyone and there was no rustling of cows,” he said in a WhatsApp message.
A community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity because of security concerns, said fighters displaced by the U.S. air strikes in Sokoto may be moving into neighbouring states.
“Yes, there are movements. Terrorists are infiltrating Niger and Kaduna through parts of Katsina and the Zamfara borders. Some from Kebbi are also running towards Kwara and the South‑West,” the source said.
According to him, the threat has heightened tensions in rural communities, prompting local armed groups to enforce internal discipline, including the seizure of rifles and motorcycles from members who breach peace agreements.
The source also noted increased aerial surveillance with Nigerian Air Force aircraft conducting daily patrols over parts of Birnin‑Gwari, Niger State and areas bordering Kebbi. He said no Boko Haram or ISWAP attack had been recorded in Kaduna since the airstrikes, describing current actions as preventive.
Meanwhile, suspected bandits invaded Adanla community in Igbaja, Ifelodun LGA, on Wednesday evening, abducting eight residents and injuring several others, forcing many villagers in Aafin and Adanla to flee to neighbouring towns and farms in fear of further assaults.