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US Troops Deploy to Nigeria After Deadly Kwara Village Massacres Raise Death Toll Over 160

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

Massacre in Nuku and Woro Villages Leaves Hundreds Dead On Tuesday, Feb. 4, gunmen opened fire on the villages of Nuku and Woro in Kwara state, setting shops, homes and the traditional leader’s residence ablaze [1]. Local MP Saidu Baba Ahmed initially reported at least 35 fatalities, but subsequent counts rose sharply [1]. Aid agencies now estimate the death toll between 162 and more than 170, making it one of the deadliest attacks in Nigeria this year [1].

President Tinubu and Lawmakers Attribute Attack to Extremist Groups President Bola Tinubu publicly blamed Boko Haram for the massacre [1]. Lawmaker Mohammed Omar Bio pointed to the Islamic State‑affiliated Lakurawa group as the perpetrators [1]. The dual attribution reflects Nigeria’s overlapping bandit, jihadist and IS‑linked insurgencies [1].

U.S. Military Sends Small Team for Intelligence and Training Support Nigeria’s defence minister confirmed a U.S. contingent has been deployed to provide intelligence and training assistance [1]. Gen. Dagvin Anderson of U.S. Africa Command said the team arrived at Nigeria’s request and will employ capabilities unavailable to Nigerian forces [1]. The deployment marks the latest phase of U.S. cooperation, following recent airstrikes on militant camps and equipment deliveries [1].

Concurrent Attacks Across Northwest and Northeast Increase Regional Casualties In the same week, suspected Boko Haram militants killed 21 people in Doma village, Katsina state [1]. Another assault in Borno state left 17 civilians dead [1]. These incidents raise the cumulative death count for the period to well over 200 [1].

Discrepancies in Death Toll Highlight Challenges for Aid Agencies Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced 75 people were ‘massacred in cold blood’ [1]. Red Cross official Babaomo Ayodeji reported 162 deaths, while Amnesty International cited a figure above 170 [1]. The varying numbers underscore difficulties in verifying casualties amid chaotic security conditions [1].

Sources

Timeline

Nov 2025 – In Papiri, Niger state, gunmen abduct more than 250 students and staff from St Mary’s Catholic School; authorities later confirm all hostages are rescued, highlighting the scale of school‑targeted kidnappings that have become a hallmark of northern Nigeria’s bandit crisis. [3]

Dec 25, 2025 – Former President Donald Trump orders an airstrike against ISIS cells in northwestern Nigeria, stating the group “viciously kills innocent Christians,” marking a rare direct U.S. military action linked to the region’s jihadist violence. [5]

Jan 3, 2026 – Armed gunmen storm Kasuwan‑Daji village in Borgu LGA, Niger state, opening fire, torching the market and homes, and abducting residents; police say the raiders come from the National Park Forest along the Kabe district, underscoring forest reserves as gang hideouts. [4]

Jan 4, 2026 – Local clergy report a higher death toll, with Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat of the Kontagora Diocese saying “more than 40 people were killed and children were abducted,” while President Bola Tinubu condemns the raid and orders security forces to pursue the attackers and rescue hostages. [6]

Jan 13, 2026 – A multi‑agency offensive in central Nigeria’s Kogi state kills over 200 bandits, burns a forest settlement and rescues kidnapped pupils and teachers from a November school abduction, illustrating a broad crackdown on cross‑border banditry. [2]

Jan 13, 2026 – A U.S. Africa Command post notes the delivery of critical military supplies to Abuja and stresses a “shared security partnership” with Nigeria as part of the ongoing operation, reflecting deepening U.S. involvement in counter‑bandit efforts. [2]

Jan 13, 2026 – Security analyst Bashir Galma cautions that official casualty figures may be inflated, warning that the surprise nature of the operation could conceal the true death toll. [2]

Feb 4, 2026 – Gunmen attack Nuku and Woro villages in Kwara state, killing dozens, burning homes and the traditional leader’s residence; Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq declares 75 people “massacred in cold blood,” the Red Cross reports 162 deaths and Amnesty International puts the toll above 170, while President Tinubu blames Boko Haram for the massacre. [1]

Feb 5, 2026 – A small U.S. team arrives in Nigeria to provide intelligence and training support after a Nigerian request; Gen. Dagvin Anderson says the deployment offers “unique U.S. capabilities” to help counter the extremist threat. [1]

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