Deadly Motorbike Raids in North-West Nigeria Leave Over 30 Dead
Published 15 February 2026
Highlights
- Armed assailants on motorbikes killed at least 32 people in raids on three villages in Niger state, Nigeria.
- The attacks occurred early Saturday in Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, with homes and shops set ablaze.
- Local police confirmed six deaths in Tunga-Makeri and numerous abductions, while the death toll in Konkoso was higher.
- The violence is part of a surge in attacks by "bandits" in north-west Nigeria, exacerbating the region's security crisis.
- US military involvement in Nigeria has increased, targeting armed groups amid accusations of inadequate protection for Christians.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Deadly Motorbike Raids in North-West Nigeria Leave Over 30 Dead
In a series of violent dawn raids, armed assailants on motorbikes have killed at least 32 people across three villages in Niger state, north-west Nigeria. The attacks, which took place early Saturday, targeted the communities of Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, leaving a trail of destruction and fear in their wake.
Wave of Violence in Niger State
The raids began in the early hours, with gunmen setting homes and shops ablaze and abducting an undetermined number of residents. According to Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger State police spokesperson, six people were confirmed dead in Tunga-Makeri, while the death toll in Konkoso was significantly higher. Witnesses reported that nearly all homes in Konkoso were burned, and four women were abducted.
Escalating Insecurity and Government Response
These attacks are part of a broader surge in violence attributed to armed gangs, often referred to as "bandits," who have plagued north-west Nigeria for years. The region is grappling with a complex security crisis involving both Islamic militants and criminal gangs engaging in abductions for ransom. The Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to restore stability, as these incidents follow a deadly attack earlier this month in neighboring Kwara State that claimed 162 lives.
International Involvement and Local Impact
The United States has increased its military involvement in Nigeria, launching strikes against armed groups and deploying military personnel in response to accusations of inadequate protection for Christians. However, the violence affects both Christians and Muslims, as noted by organizations monitoring political violence in the region. Jeremiah Timothy, a resident of Konkoso, described the chaos as the attackers entered his village around 6 am, shooting indiscriminately and setting the local police station on fire.
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Scenario Analysis
The ongoing violence in north-west Nigeria poses significant challenges for the government, which must address both the immediate security threats and the underlying socio-economic issues fueling the unrest. The increased involvement of the US military could lead to a more robust international response, but it also risks escalating tensions if not carefully managed. Experts suggest that a comprehensive approach, combining military action with community engagement and economic development, is essential to achieving long-term stability in the region. As the situation evolves, the Nigerian government will need to demonstrate its commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to regain public trust and prevent further violence.
In a series of violent dawn raids, armed assailants on motorbikes have killed at least 32 people across three villages in Niger state, north-west Nigeria. The attacks, which took place early Saturday, targeted the communities of Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, leaving a trail of destruction and fear in their wake.
Wave of Violence in Niger State
The raids began in the early hours, with gunmen setting homes and shops ablaze and abducting an undetermined number of residents. According to Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger State police spokesperson, six people were confirmed dead in Tunga-Makeri, while the death toll in Konkoso was significantly higher. Witnesses reported that nearly all homes in Konkoso were burned, and four women were abducted.
Escalating Insecurity and Government Response
These attacks are part of a broader surge in violence attributed to armed gangs, often referred to as "bandits," who have plagued north-west Nigeria for years. The region is grappling with a complex security crisis involving both Islamic militants and criminal gangs engaging in abductions for ransom. The Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to restore stability, as these incidents follow a deadly attack earlier this month in neighboring Kwara State that claimed 162 lives.
International Involvement and Local Impact
The United States has increased its military involvement in Nigeria, launching strikes against armed groups and deploying military personnel in response to accusations of inadequate protection for Christians. However, the violence affects both Christians and Muslims, as noted by organizations monitoring political violence in the region. Jeremiah Timothy, a resident of Konkoso, described the chaos as the attackers entered his village around 6 am, shooting indiscriminately and setting the local police station on fire.
What this might mean
The ongoing violence in north-west Nigeria poses significant challenges for the government, which must address both the immediate security threats and the underlying socio-economic issues fueling the unrest. The increased involvement of the US military could lead to a more robust international response, but it also risks escalating tensions if not carefully managed. Experts suggest that a comprehensive approach, combining military action with community engagement and economic development, is essential to achieving long-term stability in the region. As the situation evolves, the Nigerian government will need to demonstrate its commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to regain public trust and prevent further violence.
