Nigeria’s northwestern state, buffers Niger and Katsina
Nigeria's military has freed about 360 people held by Boko Haram in the Mandara mountains of Borno State over the weekend, the army has said. Troops have evacuated survivors for medical care; two infants have died from exhaustion. The military says intelligence-led operations and psychological tactics forced militants from their positions.
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Multiple attacks in Nigeria have left students dead or missing and communities in turmoil. In Borno and Plateau states, gunmen attacked schools, abducting pupils and killing staff, with security forces conducting rescues and authorities coordinating with local leaders.
Armed groups have abducted a Kebbi State judge and later abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. Nigerian security forces have conducted multi-agency operations to rescue the kidnapped victims, while investigations continue into the perpetrators and their networks. The government has rejected ransom negotiations and is pursuing wider security measures.
Nigeria faces escalating violence as armed groups widen operations across the northwest and central regions. Government officials have authorised military expansion and new police resources to curb kidnappings, banditry, and jihadist activity, while local communities seek protection from attacks and cattle rustling.
A wave of coordinated attacks across Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states has left multiple communities under siege. Residents report killings, arson and abductions as security forces confirm casualties and ongoing counteroperations.