Gunmen Kill at Least 15 in Northern Nigeria Amid Ongoing Security Crisis

At least 15 people have been killed after gunmen attacked three communities in north-central Nigeria, according to Amnesty International. The simultaneous attacks took place on Saturday in the villages of Tashan Maje, Saduro and Runtuwa in the Borgu area of Niger State.

In a statement posted on X, the rights group said the attackers invaded the villages on dozens of motorcycles , shooting indiscriminately and ransacking shops. The assault caused widespread panic and destruction, with residents reportedly fleeing for safety as gunfire echoed through the communities. Amnesty described the incident as a horrific attack and stated that people in the region are “constantly living on the edge and feeling helpless.” No further details were provided about the identity of the attackers.

Northern Nigeria continues to face a complex and deep-rooted security crisis , driven by the presence of Islamic militant groups operating mainly in the northeast and armed criminal gangs responsible for kidnappings and ransom-related violence in the northwest and north-central regions. The persistent violence has severely affected civilians, local economies and mobility across multiple states.

Africa’s most populous country has recently drawn international attention after remarks by former US President Donald Trump alleging that Nigeria was not protecting Christians from genocide. The Nigerian government rejected the accusation, and analysts argue that the security challenges are not limited to religious targeting but involve broader criminal and insurgent activities affecting people regardless of faith.

In recent months, international cooperation has intensified. In December, US forces conducted airstrikes against Islamic State–affiliated militants in northwestern Nigeria. Nigerian authorities also confirmed that US troops are being deployed to help train local military forces in countering extremism.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military said it has recorded decisive operational successes over the past 24 hours. Authorities claimed that 20 suspects were arrested and significant quantities of weapons, ammunition, logistics supplies, stolen crude oil, illicit drugs and rustled livestock were recovered as part of efforts to degrade terrorist networks and criminal syndicates nationwide .