Attack in Nigeria Leaves Hundreds Dead Amid US Military Deployment

Thu Feb 05 2026 14:20:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating assault by gunmen in Nigeria's Kwara state has resulted in numerous fatalities. This event coincides with the confirmation of US military personnel assisting Nigerian forces in combating rising violence.

A brutal attack in the Nigerian villages of Nuku and Woro has reportedly left over 400 people dead, raising concerns about the country's escalating violence. The attacks are attributed to jihadist groups, possibly linked to Boko Haram and other armed factions. As violence spreads, a US military deployment aimed at providing intelligence and training support to Nigerian forces has been confirmed, highlighting the growing international involvement in Nigeria's security crisis. Local authorities and human rights groups are calling for urgent investigations and better security measures to protect civilians.

Dozens of people have been killed in a ferocious shooting attack on two villages in Nigeria's western state of Kwara, according to authorities and rights groups.

The attackers also set fire to shops and homes, along with the residence of the traditional leader, forcing the residents of Nuku and Woro to flee, local lawmaker Saidu Baba Ahmed told BBC Hausa.

Officials have blamed jihadist groups and deployed an army battalion to Kwara's Kaiama constituency.

Tuesday's attack, one of several across Nigeria in the last few days, comes as the country's defence minister confirmed to the BBC that a small team of US troops was in the country to help with intelligence and training.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said Islamist militant group Boko Haram was behind the attack. Local lawmaker Mohammed Omar Bio indicated that Lakurawa, an armed group linked with the Islamic State, was responsible, according to the Associated Press.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said 75 local Muslims were massacred in cold blood simply for refusing to surrender to extremists who preached a strange doctrine.

Ahmed initially told BBC Hausa that at least 35 people had died, but human rights groups have reported more than four times that number of deaths.

A Red Cross official in Kwara, Babaomo Ayodeji, noted that the current death toll may stand at 162 as the search for more bodies continues.

Amnesty International reported over 170 deaths, with many victims shot at close range and some reportedly burned alive.

The attacks underscore the inadequacy of current security measures in Nigeria and have prompted calls for thorough investigations.

In a related set of incidents, 21 more people were killed in Doma village in Katsina state.

This wave of violence emerges alongside official acknowledgment of a US military presence aimed at assisting Nigeria in its fight against militant groups. Defence Minister Christopher Musa confirmed that the American partnership is focused on enhancing Nigeria's security capabilities.

Security concerns in Nigeria continue to evolve as both criminal gangs and jihadist groups perpetuate violence, posing ongoing threats to civilian safety.