At least 20 people have reportedly been killed by terrorists in parts of Niger State, while dozens more are feared dead in similar attacks in Kebbi State.
The violence has forced many residents to abandon their homes and seek safety elsewhere.
According to Reuters, the attack in Niger State occurred in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Residents said the gunmen operated for several hours, burning houses and overpowering security forces in the area.
As the situation worsened, many villagers fled to nearby towns such as Gwada, Zumba, and Galadima Kogo to escape the violence.
The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that armed men attacked Bagna and Erena villages on Tuesday.
He said two local vigilantes and a driver were killed, while others were injured during the attack.
In Kebbi State, suspected bandits carried out similar assaults across multiple communities, killing many people and setting homes on fire.
A cleric who spoke to TheCable said the attacks took place in Debbe and Shabanda, along with nearby areas.
The Kebbi State Police Command also confirmed the incident but said it is still verifying the number of casualties.
“At about 2230hrs, suspected Mamudawa terrorist elements attacked the villages, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property,” said police spokesperson Bashir Usman.
“Police tactical teams from Illo Division swiftly responded, intercepted the attackers, neutralised two of them, and recovered a Niger Republic Army uniform as well as Immigration uniforms.
“While reports are still being verified, the command cannot at this time confirm the casualty figures being circulated. However, we deeply sympathise with the affected communities.”
Usman added that more security personnel have been deployed to the affected areas to prevent further attacks.
“Security personnel have been reinforced and are actively on ground to forestall further attacks,” he said.
