Terrorists on Rampage in Kwara, Katsina and Kaduna — Multiple Abductions, IED Discovery and Heightened Fear

Just days after terrorists slaughtered more than 40 people in Niger State, armed gangs have launched fresh attacks across three north‑western states — Kwara, Katsina and Kaduna — abducting dozens of civilians, including a veteran photojournalist and several family members of a traditional ruler.

In Ifelodun Local Government Area, gunmen stormed the palace of the traditional ruler of Adanla community — Oba David Oyerinola — in the early hours of Monday. Though the monarch and his wife escaped, seven relatives were snatched as they sat outside the compound. The victims — Sikiru Oyerinola, Taye Oyerinola, Idowu Oyerinola, Faruk Oyerinola and two minors — belong to the same extended family. One young girl who fled the scene was shot and is now receiving hospital care.

“The terrorists shouted, ‘Where is the Kabiyesi? Where is the Olori?’,” said Prince Oyerinola Olakunle, spokesperson for the community. “When they couldn’t find the king, they ordered everyone nearby to stand up — seven were taken into the bush.”

The abductors later demanded a ransom of N300 million for the release of the captives. “They called once and said, ‘If you don’t want trouble, pay N300 million and we’ll let your people go,’” Olakunle told journalists in Ilorin. The family, unable to raise such a sum, is pleading with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene.

The once‑bustling Adanla community is now empty. “Not a single soul remains — only goats wander the streets,” Olakunle lamented. The monarch and his wife are now holed up in a hotel in Ilorin after being trailed by the assailants.

Katsina: Multiple Villages Hit, Many Still Missing
On Monday night, heavily armed terrorists swept through Unguwar Barau, Gidan Dan Mai‑gizo and Gidan Hazo — all in Na’alma Ward of Malumfashi Local Government Area — kidnapping an unknown number of residents. Security sources say the attacks lasted several hours, but no official casualty figures have been released.

The Katsina mosque massacre of  which left 32 worshippers dead — appears to have emboldened the militants, despite recent peace agreements between local authorities and armed groups. Police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq admitted he was hearing of the latest raid for the first time and promised to investigate — but never followed up.

At Danhonu 11, Millennium City in Chikun LGA, terrorists seized *Malam Umar Usman Iyale a retired photojournalist who once worked for AIT and NTA Kaduna. Around 9 p.m. Monday, gunmen entered his compound while some family members were away, demanded money, and whisked him away when none was found.

Residents describe him as elderly and in poor health, sparking urgent appeals for his safe return. “He can’t endure hardship for long — we’re all terrified for his life,” said one neighbor. The abduction echoes the 2024 kidnapping of two Kaduna journalists — NUJ chairman AbdulGafar Alabelewe and Blueprint’s AbdulRaheem Aodu — who were later released.

In a separate development, villagers in Ganaru, Zugurma District of Mashegu LGA, uncovered three improvised explosive devices hidden along farm paths. The explosives were spotted by farmers heading to harvest crops; they quickly alerted authorities, who cordoned off the area and sent bomb‑disposal units.

“The discovery was shocking — thank God our people noticed it before anyone was hurt,” said Mashegu council chairman Alhaji Jibrin Egade. Niger State Police Commissioner Adamu Elleman confirmed the situation is under control.

Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Minna, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu pledged to execute President Bola Tinubu’s directive to “wipe out terrorists, bandits and gunmen” nationwide. “We’ll deploy more troops, adopt advanced technology, and leave no safe haven for criminals,” he said.

TRADOC Commander Maj. Gen. Peter Malla added that the 2026 training agenda aims to build an “agile, forward‑looking and doctrinally grounded” force.