Witnesses report that gunmen on motorcycles targeted three communities in northern Nigeria, resulting in numerous fatalities and abductions.
Published On 15 Feb 2026
Gunmen on motorcycles have wreaked havoc in three villages in northern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 46 people and the abduction of several others, according to local witnesses and police.
These attacks occurred in the Borgu local government area of Niger State, which borders Kwara and Katsina states, as reported by a humanitarian source to AFP news agency on Saturday.
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The humanitarian source, speaking under the condition of anonymity, noted that the most brutal incident took place in the village of Konkoso, where at least 38 individuals were either shot or had their throats cut.
Many homes in the village were set ablaze, and aside from the reported deaths, “additional bodies are being recovered,” the source added.
A local resident from Konkoso reported to AFP that the gunmen initially attacked the nearby village of Tungar Makeri before advancing to Konkoso.
The violence occurs within the context of a complicated security crisis in northern Nigeria, which involves armed groups linked to ISIL (ISIS) and gangs involved in kidnapping for ransom.
Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman for Niger State police, confirmed the assault in one of the affected villages.
“Suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village,” he stated. “Six individuals lost their lives, several houses were also torched, and an undetermined number of people were taken.”
He added that the assailants proceeded to Konkoso village, while precise details of the other assaults remain unclear.
Jeremiah Timothy, a resident of Konkoso, told the Reuters news agency that the attackers entered the village at around 6 am (05:00 GMT) on Saturday, firing indiscriminately. He mentioned that residents heard military aircraft overhead.
“They operated freely in the absence of any security personnel,” Abdullahi Adamu, another Konkoso resident, informed The Associated Press news agency.
The border region between Niger and Kwara states encompasses the Kainji Forest, an area known to harbor bandits and militants, including members of the armed group Boko Haram.
Last October, the al-Qaeda affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) claimed responsibility for its first attack in Nigeria, which took place near Woro in Kwara State.
Last week, religious and community leaders from the Borgu region urged President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in the area to combat the ongoing assaults, according to Nigerian media reports.
Key Takeaways
- Recent violence in northern Nigeria has resulted in at least 46 deaths and multiple abductions.
- Gunmen targeted the villages of Konkoso and Tungar Makeri in Niger State.
- The situation is part of a broader security crisis involving various armed groups.
- Local authorities have called for increased military presence to address the escalating attacks.
- Many homes have been destroyed, contributing further to the area’s humanitarian challenges.
FAQ
What areas were affected by the attacks?
The attacks primarily took place in the villages of Konkoso and Tungar Makeri in Niger State.
How many people were reported killed?
At least 46 individuals were reported killed during the assaults.
What has been the response from local authorities?
Local authorities have called on the Nigerian government to establish a military base to curb further violence.
What is the nature of the security crisis in northern Nigeria?
The security crisis involves armed groups linked to ISIL and gangs that engage in kidnapping for ransom.
Are there any humanitarian concerns following the attacks?
Yes, many homes have been destroyed, and the humanitarian situation in the affected areas is quite dire.
