# Nigeria bandit and militant violence continues

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-northwest-security-crackdown
> Updated: 2026-08-29T07:35:42.000Z. Sources: 185. Developments: 45.

Violence intensified in June with a series of brutal assaults, including the Kawel massacre in Plateau State and farmer‑herder clashes in Niger and Benue that left dozens dead. Bandits raided villages in Katsina and Zamfara, abducted miners, and attempted a breach of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies. July saw the release of 50 kidnapped elders in Zamfara, a school abduction in Oyo, and a massacre of more than 20 farmers in the Sauna district. The surge continued into August. On 29 July, bandits killed five people in Taraba State, kidnapped a village head, and caused hundreds to flee. In Sokoto, seven worshippers were killed during a mosque raid in Tsamaye. In Kebbi, four security operatives were killed during an attack on the Tudun Bicci community. On 2 August, armed men launched a night raid on Lajinge village in Sokoto State, killing at least 12 people, burning a family’s house, and abducting women and children. The same day, bandits attacked the Shuwaki community in Bakori, Katsina State, killing one resident and abducting 31 people. The following day, militants overran a military outpost in Kasuwar Daji, Zamfara, killing a soldier and a police officer and taking more than 100 residents; 52 remain hostages. On 6 August, bandits struck the Kupa community in Kogi State, killing at least 12 people across the villages of Guchidan, Mikugi, and Abugi. In Kaduna, attackers killed one resident and abducted two others in Bagodo. In Zamfara, gunmen on motorcycles abducted the Bungudu council chairman and two others. Later in August, gunmen launched coordinated attacks on four Berom communities in Plateau State, killing at least two people and burning houses in Dorong. On 17 August, suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group attacked the Ungushi community in Sokoto State’s Kebbe Local Government Area.

## Claims

- Approximately 600 women, children, and elderly people were abducted during attacks in Niger State. (disputed by 11 sources)
- Police reported that no lives were lost during the abduction incident. (disputed by 9 sources)
- Police recovered at least 28 bodies following the attack. (disputed by 7 sources)
- Local residents reported that more than 60 worshippers were kidnapped during the attack. (disputed by 7 sources)
- The attack targeted a mosque in Dekera village during weekly prayers. (disputed by 7 sources)
- Social media videos and residents claim approximately 600 people were abducted during the mosque attack. (disputed by 6 sources)
- The attackers kidnapped 52 people, including children, after initially abducting more than 100 and later releasing some. (disputed by 3 sources)
- One soldier and one police officer were killed during the attack. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Local residents reported burying 32 victims from the attack. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Suspected terrorists abducted an unspecified number of worshippers from several villages in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, during Friday prayers. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Online video footage shows large groups of captives surrounded by armed men in a forested area. (corroborated by 10 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Nigerian Catholic bishops condemn massacres and mass kidnappings

Nigerian Catholic bishops have condemned recent violence, including a massacre in Benue State that killed 47 people and the kidnapping of over 60 Muslim worshippers in Niger State.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-bishops-condemn-massacres-and-mass-kidnappings

### 2026-08-26: Nigeria security: Terrorists and gunmen kill multiple people in Sokoto and Kogi

Violent attacks in Nigeria have left multiple dead and many abducted, including an APC chairman in Kogi State and an Islamic cleric in Sokoto, amid rising security concerns and targeted raids.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sokoto-security-forces-repel-attack-on-sifawa-military-barracks

### 2026-08-26: Nigeria launches rescue operation for 600 abducted mosque worshippers

Nigeria has launched a massive security operation to rescue approximately 600 worshippers abducted during terrorist attacks in Niger State that left about 30 people dead.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/niger-state-mosque-attack-leaves-30-dead-and-60-abducted

### 2026-08-24: Niger State mosque attacks lead to mass abductions and deaths

Gunmen attacked four mosques in Niger State, Nigeria, killing approximately 30 people and abducting dozens to hundreds of worshippers. President Tinubu has ordered an immediate military rescue operation.

33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/niger-state-mosque-attack-leads-to-reported-abduction-of-600-people

### 2026-08-22: Niger State: Armed groups abduct dozens from mosque and villages

Armed groups attacked several villages and a mosque in Niger State, Nigeria, during Friday prayers, abducting dozens of worshippers. Security forces are conducting rescue operations in the Borgu area.

43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/niger-state-gunmen-abduct-worshippers-in-borgu-communities

### 2026-08-21: Nigeria security forces conduct multiple operations against insurgents and bandits

Nigerian military and security forces have conducted multiple operations to rescue kidnap victims, neutralize terrorists, and combat banditry across Kaduna, Sokoto, and Borno states.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bandits-attack-kaduna-communities-killing-two-and-abducting-mother-and-son

### 2026-08-17: Sokoto State: Deadly attack on Ungushi community leaves dozens dead

Suspected Lakurawa terrorists killed dozens of people, including a Chief Imam and four soldiers, during an attack on the Ungushi community in Sokoto State, Nigeria, amid widespread displacement and looting.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sokoto-state-bandits-attack-ungushi-community-killing-dozens

### 2026-08-12: Plateau State: Gunmen kill two and burn houses in four community attacks

Gunmen killed two people and injured another during coordinated attacks on four Berom communities in Plateau State, setting houses on fire and forcing residents to flee.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bandit-attacks-in-kaduna-and-zamfara-cause-killings-and-abductions

### 2026-08-06: 12 killed in Kupa, Kogi State bandit raid sparks community pleas and government arrests

Bandits killed 12 in Kupa, Kogi State, exposing severe security gaps; community leaders demand help and the state government orders arrests of the vigilante and reprisal attackers.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/12-killed-in-kupa-kogi-state-bandit-raid-sparks-community-pleas-and-government-arrests

### 2026-08-03: Nigeria kidnapping of 52 villagers in Zamfara state

Armed motorcyclists attacked a military base and the village of Kasuwar Daji in Zamfara, Nigeria, killing a soldier and a police officer and kidnapping 52 people, including children.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armed-kidnappings-surge-in-nigerias-northwest-amid-growing-terror-threat

### 2026-08-02: Bandit raid in Katsina kills one, abducts 31

Bandits attacked Shuwaki in Bakori, Katsina, killing one, injuring seven and abducting 31 people after releasing an ill woman; livestock and phones were also stolen.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bandit-raid-in-katsina-kills-one-abducts-31

### 2026-08-02: Sokoto village attack leaves 12 dead, dozens abducted

Armed men killed at least 12, burned a family, and abducted women and children in Lajinge village, Sokoto state, Nigeria, after a night attack; police are investigating.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sokoto-bandits-kill-12-burn-family-and-abduct-women-and-children

### 2026-07-29: Nigeria bandits kill dozens in Taraba, Sokoto and Kebbi states

Bandits killed five in Taraba, seven worshippers in a Sokoto mosque and four security operatives in Kebbi, while also kidnapping a village head and displacing hundreds of Fulani.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-bandits-kill-dozens-in-taraba-sokoto-and-kebbi-states

### 2026-07-23: Zamfara, Nigeria: Bandits Kill Over 20 Farmers in Sauna District

Bandits attacked farms in Zamfara’s Sauna district on July 23, killing 20‑24 farmers, wounding others, stealing livestock and prompting a mass burial amid Nigeria’s ongoing bandit crisis.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamfara-nigeria-attack-leaves-over-20-dead

### 2026-07-20: Nigeria bandit kidnappings claim over 40 victims in Zamfara and Oyo

Bandit gangs in Zamfara kidnapped over 40 people, while militants in Oyo abducted 39 schoolchildren; both incidents underline Nigeria’s widening kidnapping crisis.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-bandit-kidnappings-claim-over-40-victims-in-zamfara-and-oyo

### 2026-07-05: Bandit Attacks Kill Six and Displace Residents Across 30 Villages in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Bandits killed six, stole over 1,000 livestock and forced residents from 30 Sokoto villages; protests blocked a highway and police repelled a midnight raid, prompting calls for more security.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sokoto-state-nigeria-hit-by-deadly-bandit-raids-and-police-counterattack

### 2026-07-02: Sokoto State bandits kill two soldiers and abduct dozens in coordinated attacks

Bandits in Sokoto State killed two soldiers, wounded three, and later abducted 43 civilians, including a child, after attacks on two villages, highlighting worsening insecurity in north‑west Nigeria.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sokoto-state-bandits-kill-two-soldiers-and-abduct-dozens-in-coordinated-attacks

### 2026-07-02: Zamfara State releases 50 kidnapped elders after alleged N35 million ransom

Fifty Zamfara elders abducted in June were released on July 2 after an alleged ₦35 million ransom; three died in captivity, and officials have not confirmed the payment.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamfara-state-releases-50-kidnapped-elders-after-alleged-n35-million-ransom

### 2026-07-02: Nigerian security forces repel gunmen attack on NIPSS, one assailant killed

Security forces repelled a night‑time gunmen attack on Nigeria’s NIPSS in Plateau State, killing one assailant and keeping the institute’s staff and facilities safe.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nipss-in-nigeria-foils-gunmen-raid-one-attacker-killed

### 2026-07-01: Nigeria farmer‑herder clashes kill dozens in Niger and Benue states

Farmer‑herder clashes in Nigeria’s Niger and Benue states have killed at least 73 people, prompting security deployments and condemnation by officials.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benue-state-nigeria-attacks-kill-at-least-15-in-farming-community

### 2026-06-30: Massacre in Nigeria's Kawel Village leaves 22 dead

Fulani militia raided Kawel village in Nigeria's Plateau State on 22 June, killing 22, injuring many, and a pregnant woman gave birth amid the attack.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/massacre-in-nigerias-kawel-village-leaves-22-dead

### 2026-06-29: Plateau State troops thwart attempted breach of NIPSS institute

Plateau State troops blocked an early‑morning attempt to breach the NIPSS institute, reinforcing security after a June 16 attack that killed three security personnel.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/plateau-state-troops-thwart-attempted-breach-of-nipss-institute

### 2026-06-27: Bandit assaults in Zamfara kill 10 miners, abduct 100 and displace 484 people

Bandits in Zamfara killed 10 miners, abducted over 100, and displaced 484 people, adding to a regional crisis of nearly 800,000 IDPs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bandit-assaults-in-zamfara-kill-10-miners-abduct-100-and-displace-484-people

### 2026-06-26: Northwest Nigeria bandit raids kill dozens in Katsina and Zamfara

Bandit raids in June 2026 killed 7 people in Katsina and at least 32 farmers in multiple villages of Zamfara, prompting calls for more troops and security posts.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bandit-raids-kill-at-least-24-civilians-in-nigerias-northwest

### 2026-06-25: Nigeria: Fulani herders kill 28 Christians in Plateau state raid

Fulani herders killed 28 Christians, including Rev. Markus Nyam, in a June 22 raid on Kawel village, Plateau state, Nigeria, amid broader religious persecution in the Middle Belt.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-fulani-herders-kill-28-christians-in-plateau-state-raid

### 2026-06-22: Plateau State, Nigeria attack kills 20, including pregnant woman

Gunmen attacked Kawel community in Bokkos, Plateau State, killing 20 and wounding others; a primary health centre was hit, resulting in the death of a pregnant woman. Police have launched a manhunt.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/plateau-state-nigeria-attack-kills-20-including-pregnant-woman

### 2026-06-21: ISWAP attack kills 11 farmers in Nigeria's Borno and Zamfara states

ISWAP insurgents killed 11 farmers in attacks in Borno and Zamfara states, intensifying violence against agricultural communities and threatening food security in Nigeria.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iswap-attack-kills-11-farmers-in-nigerias-borno-and-zamfara-states

### 2026-06-21: Plateau State, Nigeria: Gunmen kill at least 18 in village attacks

Gunmen killed at least 18 people in Kawel and Kopkon villages, Plateau State, on June 20; security forces responded and launched an offensive amid a wave of recent attacks.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gunmen-kill-multiple-civilians-in-plateau-state-nigeria

### 2026-06-17: Three police officers killed by IED in Zamfara, Nigeria

Three Zamfara police EOD officers were killed by an IED on the Anka‑Bagega road; officials vowed to intensify anti‑bandit operations and support the families.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/three-police-officers-killed-by-ied-in-zamfara-nigeria

### 2026-06-17: Nigeria's NIPSS Institute Attacked, Three Security Personnel Killed

Gunmen attacked Nigeria’s NIPSS institute in Kuru, killing two soldiers and a police officer; security repelled the attackers and the IGP sent a delegation, pledging a new police post.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-nipss-institute-attacked-three-security-personnel-killed

### 2026-06-16: Nigeria's NIPSS attacked, three security staff killed

Three security operatives were killed during a 16 June 2026 attack on Nigeria’s NIPSS in Plateau State; police reinforced the site and the House speaker urged legislative security reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-nipss-attacked-three-security-staff-killed

### 2026-06-16: Gunmen assault Nigeria's NIPSS think tank, three security staff killed

Gunmen attacked Nigeria's NIPSS institute in Plateau State, killing three security staff before being repelled; authorities say the site is secure and investigations are under way.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gunmen-assault-nigerias-nipss-think-tank-three-security-staff-killed

### 2026-06-15: Nigeria herders' groups dispute grazing bans as kidnapping suspects arrested

Nigeria's Miyetti Allah factions dispute open‑grazing bans while a Benue herders’ group says kidnapping suspects were merely travelling Fulani men, highlighting tensions over livestock policies and security.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-herders-groups-dispute-grazing-bans-as-kidnapping-suspects-arrested

### 2026-06-13: Armed gang attack kills 17 farmers in Zamfara, Nigeria

Gunmen killed 17 farmers and wounded 13 in Zamfara state, Nigeria, amid rising bandit attacks and recent kidnappings, prompting calls for a security crackdown.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armed-gang-attack-kills-17-farmers-in-zamfara-nigeria

### 2026-06-13: Zamfara, Nigeria: Bandits Kill 17 Farmers

Bandits attacked farms in Goron Namaye, Zamfara, killing 17 farmers and wounding 13, prompting calls for urgent security action.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamfara-nigeria-bandits-kill-17-farmers

### 2026-06-12: Armed gang attack in Zamfara, Nigeria kills 17 farmers

Gunmen on motorcycles attacked Goran Namaye in Zamfara, Nigeria, killing 17 farmers and wounding five, amid broader bandit kidnappings and an IMF warning on economic and food‑security impacts.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armed-attack-kills-17-farmers-in-zamfara-state-nigeria

### 2026-06-09: Nigeria confronts rising bandit violence after attack on Ogun drilling site

Bandits attacked a Chinese drilling site in Ogun, killing a soldier and abducting workers; officials say Nigeria's insecurity is spreading and government response is inadequate.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-confronts-rising-bandit-violence-after-attack-on-ogun-drilling-site

### 2026-06-08: Zamfara, Nigeria: 39 Villagers Kidnapped During Bandit Reconciliation Attempt

In Zamfara, Nigeria, 39 villagers were seized during a failed reconciliation meeting with a bandit leader’s family; security forces have launched rescue ops, released 11 hostages, and killed three attackers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamfara-nigeria-39-villagers-kidnapped-during-bandit-reconciliation-attempt

### 2026-06-02: Bandit attacks in Sokoto's Dangulbi community kill dozens, prompt security appeals

Bandits struck Sokoto's Dangulbi community twice in 48 hours, killing dozens and sparking calls from former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for stronger security.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bandit-attacks-in-sokotos-dangulbi-community-kill-dozens-prompt-security-appeals

### 2026-06-01: Gunmen Attack Communities in Nigeria's Plateau and Sokoto States, Killing Over 30

Gunmen killed over 30 civilians in separate attacks on Plateau and Sokoto communities in Nigeria, with Fulani gunmen and bandits responsible, prompting calls for stronger security measures.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gunmen-attack-communities-in-nigerias-plateau-and-sokoto-states-killing-over-30

### 2026-05-29: Nigeria's Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association rejects US report linking Fulani to militants

Nigeria's MACBAN rejects a US report linking 30,000 militants to the Fulani, condemning ethnic profiling and pledging cooperation with security forces while urging livestock reforms.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-miyetti-allah-cattle-breeders-association-rejects-us-report-linking-fulani-to-militants

### 2026-05-28: Fulani militants drive deadly religious violence and mass displacement in Nigeria, USCIRF reports

USCIRF says about 30,000 Fulani militants have caused the most religious‑community deaths in Nigeria, targeting Christians and some Muslims, displacing 1.3 million and prompting criticism of inadequate security

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fulani-militants-drive-deadly-religious-violence-and-mass-displacement-in-nigeria-uscirf-reports

### 2026-05-26: Nigeria confronts 30,000 armed Fulani militants in escalating violence, US report warns

US commission reports 30,000 Fulani militants wreaking terror across Nigeria, causing 1.3 million displacements and prompting new U.S. sanctions legislation.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-air-force-carries-out-precision-strikes-on-insurgent-hideouts-in-sambisa-forest

### 2026-05-26: Zamfara security forces neutralise bandits and seize explosives in separate operations

Zamfara security forces killed bandits and dismantled an IED in separate operations, targeting leaders and boosting patrols to protect locals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zamfara-security-forces-neutralize-bandits-in-multiple-operations

### 2026-05-03: Nigerian Forces Strike Terrorist Hideouts in Katsina and Zamfara

Nigerian forces destroyed a terrorist hideout in Katsina and killed nine militants in Katsina and Zamfara, disrupting attacks.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-forces-strike-terrorist-hideouts-in-katsina-and-zamfara

---
Cite as: Nigeria bandit and militant violence continues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-northwest-security-crackdown