News|Gun ViolenceGunmen kill at least 32 people in northern Nigeria, residents sayWitnesses say the motorcycle riding gunmen attacked three communities in northern Nigeria, killing and abducting dozens.
On Sat, Feb 1, 2026, armed individuals operated on motorcycles and attacked three villages in northern Nigeria, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and several abductions. The events unfolded in the Borgu area of Niger State amid ongoing security…
On Sat, Feb 1, 2026, armed individuals operated on motorcycles and attacked three villages in northern Nigeria, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and several abductions. The events unfolded in the Borgu area of Niger State amid ongoing security challenges in the region.
Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger State police spokesperson, confirmed an attack on Tunga-Makeri village. According to Abiodun, six individuals were killed, several houses were set ablaze, and an undetermined number of people were abducted. The attackers then proceeded to Konkoso village. Details regarding other attacks remain unclear.
Jeremiah Timothy, a resident of Konkoso, reported that the attack in his village began with sporadic gunfire early in the morning. He noted that at least 26 people were killed, and the local police station was set on fire. Residents reported military jets overhead during the attack. Another resident, Abdullahi Adamu, confirmed the death toll as 26, stating that the assailants acted without any security presence.
An unnamed humanitarian source reported that the death toll in Konkoso might be as high as 38, with victims either shot or having their throats slit. Most of the village's homes were destroyed by fire, and additional bodies are being recovered. A resident mentioned that four women were abducted and his nephew was killed.
On Sat, Feb 1, 2026, armed individuals operated on motorcycles and attacked three villages in northern Nigeria, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and several abductions.
After attacking Konkoso, the gunmen moved to Pissa, where they set a police station on fire and killed one person. Many residents remain unaccounted for following the attacks.
These incidents follow a separate attack earlier in the month in neighboring Kwara and Katsina states, which resulted in nearly 200 deaths.
The border area between Niger and Kwara states is known to be a haven for bandits and armed groups, including Boko Haram. In October 2025, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), affiliated with al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for its first attack on Nigerian soil in this region.
Religious and community leaders from the Borgu area have requested President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base to prevent further attacks. Nigeria's government has increased cooperation with the United States to improve security. In December, the US military conducted airstrikes in Sokoto State against armed groups.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
