Gunmen Kill Dozens in Niger and Kebbi Attacks

Gunmen have killed at least 20 people in fresh attacks on communities in Niger State, even as similar raids left dozens feared dead in Kebbi State.

The assaults happened on Tuesday and have triggered widespread panic across the North-Central and North-West regions. Residents described hours of shooting, burning of homes and chaos as security forces struggled to respond in time.

In Niger State, the gunmen targeted Bagna and Erena villages in Shiroro Local Government Area. They arrived on motorcycles, destroyed several buildings with explosives and forced many families to run for their lives.

Hundreds of villagers fled to nearby towns such as Gwada, Zumba and Galadima Kogo for safety. NaijaChoice News gathered that the attackers overpowered local guards before moving between the communities.

Wasiu Abiodun, Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the invasion. He said two community guards and a driver were killed while several others sustained injuries during the operation.

In Kebbi State, suspected bandits struck Debbe, Shabanda and surrounding villages in a night-time raid. Houses were set ablaze and residents killed as the attackers wreaked havoc for several hours.

A local cleric who spoke to TheCable painted a grim picture of the destruction. He said the violence left many families displaced and properties razed.

Bashir Usman, Kebbi State Police spokesperson, confirmed the attack by suspected Mamudawa terrorist elements around 10:30pm. He said tactical teams from Illo Division responded quickly, neutralised two of the attackers and recovered a Niger Republic Army uniform along with Immigration Service uniforms.

Usman added that the command is still verifying casualty figures and cannot confirm the high numbers being circulated. He expressed sympathy with the affected families and said more security personnel have been deployed to the area.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm as more details will be communicated in due course,” he stated.

The twin attacks come amid a worrying pattern of banditry and emerging terrorist activities in the region. Communities in Shiroro and parts of Kebbi have faced repeated raids in recent months, leading to loss of lives and mass displacement.

Security sources say the recovery of foreign uniforms points to possible cross-border links, though investigations are ongoing.