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Woro attack: how Sahel-linked terror networks are creeping into Kwara’s border communities
Woro attack: how Sahel-linked terror networks are creeping into Kwara’s border communities
By: Zagazola Makama
The deadly attack on Woro Village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, which has claimed at least 35 lives, draws attention to a worrying expansion of Sahel-linked terrorism into Nigeria’s North-Central corridor, analysts say.
The lawmaker representing Kaiama in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed, confirmed the death toll on Wednesday, adding that many residents were still missing in the surrounding bush after fleeing the community during the attack.
Security sources said the assault occurred at about 7:07 p.m. on Feb. 3, when terrorists suspected to be Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) stormed Woro, setting houses and shops ablaze as residents fled in panic.
Although the attackers reportedly withdrew after spotting an approaching aircraft, intelligence suggests they may still be lurking in nearby forests, waiting for security pressure to ease before attempting to return.
The Woro incident fits a broader pattern. Terrorist operations have intensified across the North-West (NW) and North-Central (NC), with attacks spilling into border communities near the Republic of Benin, particularly in Kwara and Niger States.
Security experts say fighters infiltrating from the Sahel axis have merged with local criminal groups, creating hybrid networks that combine ideological violence with banditry. Two major groupings – JNIM/AQIM and IS Sahel are said to be competing for space, carving out forest corridors and borderlands as launch pads for further attacks.
While parts of the North West are experiencing encroachment by ISIS-linked elements along Niger’s borders with Sokoto and Kebbi, JNIM’s operational reach reportedly stretches from the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Forest Complex into Benin, diverting into North-Central Nigeria through porous routes.
Zagazola note that Kaiama’s location close to forested border corridors makes it vulnerable to transit and staging by mobile terror cells. Once embedded, these groups exploit local grievances, criminal economies and weak surveillance to sustain operations.
The burning of homes and shops in Woro is seen as tactical messaging: displace communities, disrupt local economies and demonstrate reach beyond traditional theatres of conflict.
The Woro attack is not an isolated Kwara problem but part of a wider Sahelian security crisis pushing southward into Nigeria’s heartland. Regional cooperation between NIGERIA with BENIN and NIGER Republic is therefore required to shut down these cross-border routes.
Woro attack: how Sahel-linked terror networks are creeping into Kwara’s border communities
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State and rescued two victims with gunshot wounds.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on April 26 when troops deployed at Sanga responded to a distress call regarding the activities of suspected kidnappers along the Kurmin Goro village axis.
The sources disclosed that the armed suspects fled the scene upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their mission.
According to the sources, two victims were rescued during the operation, both of whom sustained gunshot wounds.
The victims were immediately evacuated for medical attention.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and surveillance in the area to prevent further criminal activity and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Buratai District, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising two of the attackers in the process.
According to sources, the attack occurred in the early hours of April 25, 2026, when troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion detected a large number of terrorists attempting to infiltrate their defensive location at LIMA 3 Chara using surveillance systems.
The troops immediately engaged the attackers and held their ground while reinforcement teams swiftly mobilised to the location to support the operation.
The combined response forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray after a brief but intense firefight. During the exchange, two terrorists were neutralised, while one motorcycle used by the attackers was destroyed. Troops also recovered a cache of ammunition from the scene.
No casualties were recorded on the side of the friendly forces, while the situation remains under close monitoring as exploitation operations continue.
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
Troops Intercept Terrorist Logistics Courier, Recover Ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (ZSCPG), have arrested a suspected terrorist logistics courier in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 2:40 p.m. on April 24 at Lalan Commercial Motor Park in Gusau following credible intelligence.
The suspect was reportedly intercepted while attempting to board a commercial vehicle heading to Shinkafi town.
According to the sources, a search conducted on the suspect led to the discovery of ammunition concealed inside a container of palm oil.
Items recovered include 270 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 54 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspect received the consignment from an individual identified as Abubakar Danfulani in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, for onward delivery to TsaiKa village in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.
The suspect is currently in custody of the Joint Investigation and Fusion Centre (JIFC), Operation Forest Yaki, for further investigation and necessary action.
Security authorities said the interception is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and arms supply chains across the North-West.
Troops Intercept Terrorist Logistics Courier, Recover Ammunition in Zamfara
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