At least 11 people have been killed in a fresh attack on the Ngbra Zongo community in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, deepening fears over persistent insecurity in the region.
The midnight assault, carried out by armed gunmen, left several residents injured while many others fled into nearby bushes for safety. Witnesses said the attackers moved from house to house, shooting sporadically and attacking victims with machetes.
Among those killed were community leader Sunday Hwie, pregnant women Eunice Samuel and Laraba Sunday, as well as a three-year-old child, Festus Sunday. Community leaders and residents described the attack as one of the deadliest incidents witnessed in recent years.
The Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association, Danjuma Auta, condemned the killings and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities in Bassa LGA. During a mass burial for the victims, Bassa LGA Chairman Joshua Riti appealed to both the federal and Plateau State governments to strengthen security, especially ahead of the farming season.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military base in Magumeri, Borno State.
According to the military, the insurgents attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base under poor visibility but were overpowered by troops after a fierce gun battle. Two soldiers were killed during the encounter, while scores of insurgents were reportedly neutralised.
Military authorities said troops recovered several weapons, including PKT anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles and magazines, while further operations revealed blood trails and terrorist corpses around the area.
In another operation, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed nine terrorists, including two notorious kingpins, during coordinated offensives in Zamfara and Katsina states between May 1 and 3, 2026.
Security forces also rescued 32 kidnapped victims in Katsina State, comprising women, men and children allegedly held by bandits loyal to a notorious gang leader identified as Muhammad Fulani. Five bandits were killed during the operation, while troops recovered weapons and motorcycles used by the criminal group.
Elsewhere in Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace uncovered two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of fabricated AK-47 rifles, pistols, empty magazines, ammunition shells and industrial equipment used in weapon production.
Military authorities said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks threatening peace in the state.
Amid the growing security challenges, Nigeria and the United States have strengthened defence cooperation through the inauguration of Defence Institutional Technical Working Groups under the 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap.
Officials from both countries said the partnership would improve counterterrorism operations, enhance military capacity and strengthen efforts to deny terrorists safe havens across the region.
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