Armed groups have intensified violence across several northern states of Nigeria in the wake of United States air strikes targeting Islamic State–linked militants in Sokoto State, findings by Saturday Punch have revealed.
Between December 25, 2025 and January 2, 2026, no fewer than 47 people were killed and 35 kidnapped in a series of attacks by bandits, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, according to media tallies. Over a dozen others were injured in the spate of violence.
Communities in Adamawa, Zamfara, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Yobe, Kano and Kebbi states were targeted in attacks attributed to different armed groups.
In Kogi State, suspected bandits abducted several people from the Omi‑Ara community in Yagba West LGA, while in the same council area, gunmen attacked the Odo‑Ere community, kidnapping at least four residents.
On December 30, women and children travelling from Wanke to Gusau were kidnapped but later rescued by security forces.
In Kwara State, over eight people were abducted in an attack on the Adanla community in Ifelodun LGA also in December .
