Gunmen Kill 4 in Kebbi, Abduct 6 in Sokoto Attacks

At least four people have been killed in Kebbi State while six residents were abducted in Sokoto State in separate attacks by armed gunmen, highlighting escalating insecurity in northwest Nigeria.

In Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, a terrorist group known as Mamudawa carried out coordinated raids on several villages in the Gebbe District on Sunday and Monday. Residents said the attackers crossed from Wawa Forest in Niger State to strike communities including Kalkami, Tungar Bori, and Kawara. Eyewitnesses reported that homes and buildings were set ablaze, with Kawara village reportedly completely burnt down.

A local resident, Yisa Ahmed, said, “Some buildings were set on fire, and people fled to the forests or to Gungu Island for safety.” The Vice Chairman of Shanga LGA, Adamu Hamza Gebbe, confirmed the attacks, noting that Shanga has repeatedly faced assaults from bandits, kidnappers, and cattle rustlers. The District Head of Gebbe, Alhaji Haruna Usman, added that many residents remain displaced.

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The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that the assailants took advantage of the wetland terrain to launch their operations, resulting in lives lost and widespread property destruction. SP Bashir Usman, spokesperson for the command, emphasized that security forces are investigating and working to prevent further attacks.

Meanwhile, in Gazau village, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, bandits abducted six residents during an early-morning raid on Monday. The attackers initially seized 13 individuals—12 women and one man—but later released seven, taking six hostages to a hideout. The victims were identified as Asabe Zakariya, Inno Ibrahim, Inno Musa, Umma Yusuf, Safina Abdullahi, and Saminu Jijji.

A relative of the victims revealed that the bandits threatened to continue daily attacks unless residents sought amnesty from them. Efforts to reach local authorities and police spokesperson were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Security analysts warn that these incidents reflect a persistent security crisis in rural northwest Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target communities for ransom, extortion, and terror. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further escalation.

Gunmen Kill 4 in Kebbi, Abduct 6 in Sokoto Attacks

Nigerian Troops Foil Fuel Smuggling, Arrest 16 Suspected Terrorists in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully intercepted a cross-border fuel smuggling attempt and arrested 16 suspected terrorists in ongoing operations across the North-East Theatre of Nigeria, the military has confirmed.

According to the Nigerian Army, soldiers from 3 Battalion (Mechanised), acting on intelligence, intercepted 19 jerrycans of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and two carts along suspected smuggling routes in Gamboru/Ngala Local Government Area, Borno State, near the Nigeria–Cameroon border. The suspects reportedly fled, abandoning the illicit fuel before troops secured the area.

In a separate operation along the Biu–Buratai–Kamuya road, troops apprehended 16 individuals who initially claimed to be members of hybrid forces. Searches of the suspects led to the seizure of ammunition, magazines, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, military kits, and multiple mobile phones, suggesting involvement in terrorist logistics.

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Troops also recovered a motorcycle previously stolen by terrorists during an attack in neighbouring Yobe State, highlighting efforts to deny insurgents freedom of movement.

Additionally, troops engaged insurgents in a brief firefight in Chibok Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat without reported casualties among security forces.

All operations were conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V, which involves sustained patrols, clearance missions, and aggressive offensive actions in Sectors 3 and 4 of the North-East Theatre. These missions aim to disrupt terrorist supply chains, dismantle criminal networks, and maintain pressure on insurgent elements.

Military authorities emphasised that the arrested suspects will be handed over to appropriate agencies for further investigation and prosecution. Commanders also urged local communities to continue providing credible intelligence to enhance operational effectiveness and civilian security.

The military described the recent operations as a significant blow to terrorist logistics, underscoring its commitment to protecting civilians, securing communities, and degrading the capabilities of insurgent groups in the North-East.

Nigerian Troops Foil Fuel Smuggling, Arrest 16 Suspected Terrorists in Borno

Military Investigates Maiduguri Killing of 14‑Year‑Old Girl, Arrests Five Suspects

The Nigerian military has confirmed the death of a 14‑year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State, and has arrested five suspects in connection with the incident. The tragedy reportedly occurred during celebratory gunfire at a wedding in the Costain area of the city.

According to Lt. Col. Sani Uba, spokesperson for the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the girl was struck by a stray bullet fired by vigilantes later identified as members of an escorts team linked to a Local Government Chairman. The incident took place around 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.

Troops from Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), quickly traced and apprehended five suspects: Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18). The suspects are now in custody and will be handed over to authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

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The military condemned the act, describing it as “highly unprofessional, unauthorized, and a clear violation of regulations governing firearms.” It reiterated that the CJTF operates strictly as a support group and is prohibited from engaging in indiscriminate shooting in civilian areas.

A comprehensive investigation is underway in collaboration with relevant state authorities, including the Office of the Senior Adviser on Security to the Borno State Government, to determine the full circumstances of the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

While security forces say the overall situation in the area remains calm, troops have been placed on heightened vigilance to maintain order. The military also extended condolences to the victim’s family, reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, and civilian protection.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have called for a thorough and transparent investigation. AI highlighted that the girl was inside her home when struck and warned that the reckless use of firearms by security or affiliated groups raises serious civilian safety concerns.

The incident has reignited calls for stricter firearms regulation and greater oversight of vigilante groups operating in support of security agencies, emphasizing the need to protect innocent civilians from such tragedies.

Military Investigates Maiduguri Killing of 14‑Year‑Old Girl, Arrests Five Suspects