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US Troops Deploy to Nigeria After Kwara Village Massacre Leaves Over 160 Dead

Updated (22 articles)
  • Nigeria faces security challenges across the country
    Image: BBC
    Nigeria faces security challenges across the country (AFP/Getty Images) Source Full size

Coordinated Shooting Kills Dozens in Nuku and Woro on Feb 4, 2026 Gunmen set fire to shops, homes and the traditional leader’s residence in the Kwara‑state villages of Nuku and Woro, forcing residents to flee; local MP Saidu Baba Ahmed initially reported at least 35 deaths, while later estimates rose sharply [1].

President Tinubu Blames Boko Haram, Lawmaker Cites IS‑Linked Lakurawa President Bola Tinubu attributed the massacre to Boko Haram, whereas lawmaker Mohammed Omar Bio identified the Islamic State‑affiliated Lakurawa group as responsible, reflecting divergent official narratives [1].

US Contingent Arrives for Intelligence and Training Support Nigeria’s defence minister confirmed a small US team has been deployed following a Nigerian request; Gen. Dagvin Anderson of US Africa Command said the force will provide unique intelligence and training capabilities [1].

Simultaneous Attacks Raise Regional Death Toll In the same week, suspected Boko Haram militants killed 21 people in Doma village (Katsina state) and 17 in Borno state, underscoring a broader surge in violence across the north‑west and north‑east [1].

Fatality Figures Vary Widely Among Officials and Aid Groups Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reported 75 “massacred in cold blood”; Red Cross official Babaomo Ayodeji cited 162 deaths; Amnesty International placed the toll above 170, highlighting significant discrepancies in casualty reporting [1].

Sources

Timeline

Nov 21, 2025 – Gunmen storm St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting 303 pupils and 12 teachers; a survivor later says, “They said they’d shoot us” (source [19]).

Dec 7, 2025 – Government sources report that “100 children reportedly freed by government” after negotiations, though local officials say they have not been formally notified (source [14]).

Dec 8, 2025 – About 100 abducted schoolchildren arrive in Minna escorted by military vehicles, with officials confirming, “About 100 children abducted … have been released” (source [9]).

Dec 11, 2025 – Former captive Onyeka Chieme recounts his ordeal, recalling the gunmen’s threat, “They said they’d shoot us,” highlighting the brutal conditions of the Papiri kidnapping (source [19]).

Dec 21, 2025 – A presidential spokesman announces, “130 additional pupils freed,” bringing the total number of rescued children to 230 after the Papiri abduction (source [13]).

Dec 22, 2025 – Federal officials declare, “All pupils kidnapped from Nigeria Catholic school now free,” marking the end of the longest‑running captivity from the Papiri raid (source [8]).

Dec 24, 2025 – Authorities release “130 students and teachers freed in Papiri,” with families gathering for a tearful Christmas reunion (source [18]).

Jan 4, 2026 – Niger State’s education ministry states that “schools will reopen from Jan 12” after security assessments, while promising heightened guard posts and registration of every child (source [6]).

Jan 4, 2026 – Armed gunmen raid Kasuwan‑Daji village, killing at least 30 residents, burning the market and abducting dozens; a local priest says, “more than 40 people were killed and children abducted” (source [17]).

Jan 13, 2026 – A multi‑agency offensive in central Nigeria “kills more than 200 bandits,” with U.S. Africa Command delivering critical supplies to Abuja as part of the joint operation (source [4]).

Jan 19, 2026 – Two churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, are attacked; a senior church leader tells Reuters, “more than 160 people were abducted” (source [16]).

Jan 21, 2026 – Security forces confirm that “around 177 worshippers were abducted” from three Kaduna churches after an initial denial, prompting Amnesty International to condemn the police’s earlier stance (source [15]).

Jan 23, 2026 – A 60‑year‑old woman named Sarah escapes a Kaduna church raid, saying, “I was wounded by a rifle blow”; Governor Sani pledges to build a military base, a hospital and a road near the Rijana forest to protect residents (source [2]).

Feb 4‑5, 2026 – Gunmen massacre villages in Kwara State, with death toll estimates rising above 170; President Bola Tinubu blames Boko Haram, while a U.S. team “provides intelligence and training support” after a Nigerian request (source [1]).

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