Fresh attacks by suspected terrorists have been reported in Kwara, Katsina and Kaduna states, barely days after more than 40 people were killed in Niger State, deepening fears over the widening security crisis across the North.
The latest incidents have left several people abducted, including a veteran photojournalist in Kaduna, while a potential mass casualty incident was narrowly averted in Niger State after villagers discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along farmlands.
Seven abducted in Kwara after failed attack on monarch
In Kwara State, gunmen abducted seven people in Adanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, following a failed attempt to kidnap the traditional ruler, Oba David Oyerinola, and his wife.
Spokesperson for the Adanla community, Prince Oyerinola Olakunle, said the attackers struck after discovering that the monarch was not at home.
He told journalists in Ilorin that the victims, all members of the same family, were taken during the raid.
Those abducted include Sikiru Oyerinola, Taye Oyerinola, Idowu Oyerinola, Faruk Oyerinola and two minors.
According to Olakunle, the attackers are demanding a ransom of ₦300 million.
“When the armed men could not find the Kabiyesi, they ordered the people sitting outside the palace to stand up and marched them into the bush,” he said.
A young girl who attempted to flee was shot and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Following the attack, Adanla community has been largely deserted, with residents fleeing for safety.
The monarch and his wife are said to be staying in a hotel in Ilorin under tight security, amid reports that they were trailed by the attackers after leaving the community.
Efforts to reach the Kwara State Police Command spokesperson were unsuccessful as of press time.
Terrorists strike Katsina communities
In Katsina State, terrorists reportedly launched coordinated attacks on several communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area on Monday night.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers operated for hours, targeting Unguwar Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-Gizo and Gidan Hazo, all in Na’alma Ward.
While the exact number of abducted victims remains unclear, security sources confirmed that several residents were taken during the raid.
The Katsina State Police Command said it was yet to receive a full briefing on the incident.
Malumfashi has remained a flashpoint despite recent peace agreements between local authorities and armed groups.
The area was also the site of a deadly mosque attack in August 2025, where at least 32 worshippers were killed.
Veteran journalist abducted in Kaduna
In Kaduna State, suspected terrorists abducted veteran photojournalist Malam Umar Usman Iyale from his residence in Danhonu 11 community, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area.
Iyale, a retired staff member of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was taken at about 9:00 p.m. on Monday, according to community sources.
Residents said the attackers initially demanded money and abducted him after discovering he had none.
His abduction has heightened fear in the community, particularly due to his age and health condition.
“He is elderly and not physically strong. People are very worried about his safety,” a resident said.
The incident has revived memories of the July 2024 abduction of two journalists from the same community.
Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying efforts were underway to rescue the journalist.
Police spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan said the Commissioner of Police had deployed operatives to track the perpetrators.
Bloodbath averted in Niger as IEDs uncovered
Meanwhile, villagers in Ganaru community, Zugurma District of Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, discovered three improvised explosive devices planted along farmlands.
The explosives were found by farmers heading to their fields, prompting an immediate alarm.
Security agencies were alerted, and the area was cordoned off to prevent casualties.
Chairman of Mashegu Local Government, Alhaji Jibrin Egade, confirmed the discovery, describing it as shocking.
Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, said bomb disposal experts were deployed and the situation brought under control.
Army vows intensified operations
Reacting to the renewed attacks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, assured Nigerians of intensified military operations against terrorists.
Speaking at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff Conference at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Minna, he said the army would fully implement President Bola Tinubu’s directive to crush terrorism nationwide.
“We will massively increase deployments and use technology to ensure terrorists are hunted down and apprehended,” he said.
From my experience tracking conflict patterns and security deployments, the spread of attacks across multiple states within days suggests coordinated pressure on security forces, making intelligence-led operations and community early-warning systems increasingly critical.
For now, residents across affected states remain on edge, as authorities race to prevent further attacks and rescue abducted victims.
