Armed groups carried out new attacks across Kwara, Katsina and Kaduna states, abducting several people — including a veteran photojournalist — just days after more than 40 people were killed in Niger State, residents and officials said.
In Kwara State, gunmen abducted seven members of the same family after a failed attempt to kidnap the traditional ruler of Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The attackers targeted the palace of David Oyerinola, but fled into nearby bush paths after failing to find him and his wife. They seized seven relatives instead, according to community spokesperson Prince Oyerinola Olakunle.
Olakunle said the abductors later demanded ₦300 million for the victims’ release. He added that the Adanla community has largely emptied as residents flee repeated attacks. The monarch and his wife are now staying in Ilorin under security precautions, he said.
Katsina communities attacked
In Katsina State, residents said gunmen raided multiple communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area, abducting several people during coordinated night attacks.
According to Vanguard, security sources said the assailants struck Unguwar Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo and Gidan Hazo communities, operating for hours. The exact number of abducted victims was not immediately clear.
Police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq said he was not immediately aware of the attacks but promised to verify the reports.
Malumfashi has seen a surge in violence in recent months despite local peace deals, including an August 2025 mosque attack in which at least 32 worshippers were killed.
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Journalist abducted in Kaduna
In Kaduna State, gunmen abducted veteran photojournalist Umar Usman Iyale from his home in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area, residents said.
Iyale, a retired employee of Africa Independent Television and the Nigerian Television Authority, was taken around 9 p.m. on Monday. Residents said the attackers initially demanded money and abducted him when none was found.
The abduction heightened fears in the area, where repeated kidnappings have forced many residents to abandon their homes.
Kaduna police spokesperson Mansir Hassan confirmed the incident, saying the commissioner of police deployed teams to rescue the journalist.
IEDs uncovered in Niger State
Meanwhile, villagers in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State discovered three improvised explosive devices planted along farmland routes in Ganaru community, authorities said, averting what officials described as a potential mass-casualty incident.
Niger State police commissioner Adamu Elleman said bomb disposal experts were deployed and the situation was brought under control.
The renewed violence follows last weekend’s deadly attacks in Niger State and adds to growing security concerns across north-central and north-west Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target rural communities despite ongoing military operations.
The Nigerian Army said it would deploy additional troops to affected areas, acting on directives from President Bola Tinubu, to curb the escalating attacks.
