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At least 30 people have been killed across northern Nigeria in a series of brutal assaults carried out by terrorist groups.
The region, which has been plagued by a 16-year insurgency, saw three separate attacks this week that have further destabilised the area.
On Tuesday, Boko Haram terrorists riding motorcycles stormed a market in Madagali, Adamawa State, opening fire on civilians and killing 21 people. Local officials are still searching nearby bushes for more bodies, fearing some victims may have died while attempting to flee.
In addition to the massacre in Madagali, four more people—including three soldiers—were killed during a raid in the neighbouring town of Hong.
The attackers reportedly looted the local markets, stealing food supplies and motorcycles before retreating.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condemned the violence, describing the raids as “cowardly” and “senseless” acts that continue to stifle the region’s recovery.
The violence extended to the northwest on Wednesday night, where terrorists from the Lakurawa group targeted a mosque in Dodin Kowa, Kebbi State.
While initial government reports confirmed five deaths, security sources suggest the toll may be as high as 10 worshippers.
The attack appears to be a retaliatory strike following a failed ambush on a military convoy earlier in the week.
The Lakurawa group, which operates from forest bases, has become a growing threat in the region by rustling livestock and extorting “taxes” from local communities.
This surge in activity comes as the United States begins deploying 200 troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support to the local military.
Nigeria’s security challenges have been further complicated by the weakening of a regional military coalition after a diplomatic rift with neighbouring Niger.
Despite ongoing military crackdowns and international assistance, the conflict continues to spill across borders, having already displaced millions and claimed over 40,000 lives since 2009.
