Just days after more than 40 people were killed in Niger state, armed groups launched new attacks in Kwara, Katsina and Kaduna states, kidnapping several people, including a veteran photojournalist, residents and officials said.
In Kwara State, gunmen have abducted seven members of a family after a failed attempt to kidnap the traditional ruler of Adenla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The attackers targeted the palace of David Oyerinola, but after failing to find him and his wife, they fled into nearby bush tracks. According to the community spokesperson, Prince Oyerinola Olakunle, they captured seven relatives.
Olakunle said the kidnappers later demanded N300 million for the release of the victims. He said the Adenla community has been largely evacuated as residents flee repeated attacks. The monarch and his wife are now staying in Ilorin as part of security precautions, he said.
Katsina communities attacked
In Katsina state, residents said gunmen attacked several communities in Malumfashi local government area, and abducted several people during coordinated nighttime attacks.
According to Vanguard, security sources said the attackers attacked Unguwar Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-Gizo and Gidan Hazo communities for hours. The exact number of abducted victims was not immediately clear.
Police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq said he had no immediate information about the attacks but promised to confirm the reports.
Malumfashi has seen an increase in violence in recent months despite local peace agreements, including an August 2025 mosque attack that killed at least 32 worshippers.
Also read: Police confirm kidnapping of experienced photojournalist in Kaduna
Journalist kidnapped in Kaduna
In Kaduna state, gunmen abducted veteran photojournalist Umar Usman Iyale from his home in Millennium City, Chikan Local Government Area, residents said.
Iyale, a retired employee of Africa Independent Television and the Nigerian Television Authority, was taken at about 9pm on Monday night. Residents said the attackers initially demanded money and when they did not get it, they abducted her.
The kidnappings have heightened fear in the area, where many residents have been forced to flee their homes due to repeated kidnappings.
Kaduna Police spokesperson Manasir Hassan confirmed the incident, saying the Commissioner of Police has deployed teams to rescue the journalist.
IED recovered in Niger State
Meanwhile, villagers in Mashegu local government area of Niger state discovered three improvised explosive devices planted on farm roads in Gnarhu community, prompting authorities to avert a possible mass-casualty incident, officials said.
Niger state police commissioner Adamu Alemane said bomb disposal experts were deployed and the situation was brought under control.
The renewed violence following last weekend's deadly attacks in Niger state adds to growing security concerns in north-central and north-west Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target rural communities despite ongoing military operations.
The Nigerian military said it would deploy additional troops to the affected areas, acting on instructions from President Bola Tinubu to stop the escalating attacks.
