Fresh violence rocks North Central states as insecurity worsens

…NIPSS attack in Plateau underscores widening insecurity across the troubled region

A fresh wave of deadly attacks, kidnappings and violent crimes is once again unsettling communities across Nigeria’s North Central region, reviving fears over worsening insecurity in an area that has long grappled with banditry, armed herdsmen attacks, communal violence and organised criminal activities.

From Plateau to Kwara, Niger and Benue states, recent incidents have left scores of people dead, others abducted, and several communities traumatised despite sustained security operations by security agencies. The renewed attacks have heightened concerns over security in a region that serves as Nigeria’s geographical and agricultural heartland and has endured years of recurring violence.

NIPSS attack, nearby mining site killings in Plateau deepen insecurity fears

In Plateau State, suspected gunmen in the early hours of Monday attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, killing three security operatives in what appeared to be an attempt to breach the nation’s foremost policy think tank.

The attackers reportedly stormed the institute at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire, prompting an exchange of gunfire with security personnel stationed at the facility. A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said security operatives fiercely resisted the attackers and prevented them from gaining access to the institution.

The staff member disclosed that the victims comprised two soldiers and one police officer attached to the institute’s security detail, adding that the prompt response of security personnel prevented the gunmen from causing greater harm.

Bulus Haruna, a resident of Kuru said residents of nearby communities were thrown into panic as sustained gunfire echoed through the area for several hours.

However, the management of NIPSS assured the public that the institution remains safe. In a statement issued by Samuel Osime, Head of Public Affairs Department, the institute said the situation was swiftly brought under control through the intervention of security personnel and relevant agencies.

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“As investigations are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event. The Institute is therefore unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms,” Osime said.

He added: “We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies. Management of NIPSS remains committed to the safety and security of staff members and participants”; he added.

The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed the killing of the three security personnel and assured residents that the situation had been brought under control.

However, barely hours after the attack on NIPSS, another deadly incident occurred in nearby Gero Village in Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area, where five persons were reportedly killed by armed terrorists at a mining site, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation around Jos and its environs.

The killings were disclosed in a statement signed by Rwang Tengwong, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), who said the victims were attacked and killed on Tuesday.

“Five people have been killed by armed terrorists at a mining site in Gero Village of Gyel District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“This latest attack comes hours after terrorists attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, resulting in the death of three security personnel. Gero Village is located about five kilometres from NIPSS”; the statement read.

The group said the incident underscored the alarming deterioration of security within the area and raised serious concerns about the safety of residents and critical national institutions.

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the police were unsuccessful, as Alfred Alabo, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command was not available for comments as of the time of filing this report.

Kidnappings, mob violence deepen security crisis in Kwara

In Kwara State, armed bandits struck multiple communities in coordinated attacks, kidnapping residents and killing others. The attacks occurred in Gaa-Alla and Gaa Oke Abba communities in Isin Local Government Area as well as Famole community in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Although the exact number of abducted victims remains uncertain, police authorities confirmed that at least two persons were kidnapped in Gaa-Alla community. Sources in the affected areas, however, said several other residents were abducted while one person was killed during a gun battle in Famole community.

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Adekimi Ojo, Kwara State Commissioner of Police confirmed the attacks, saying police operatives, alongside the military and forest guards, had launched operations to track down the perpetrators.

Even as kidnappings persist, the police announced a breakthrough against criminal gangs operating in Kwara North. According to Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested suspects linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate.

“Preliminary investigations led to the identification of one Umar Abubakar, popularly known as ‘Manti,’ as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate suspected to be responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents and other violent crimes in parts of Kwara North Senatorial District,” she said.

Kwara was also shaken by mob violence in Ilesha Baruba, where a clash escalated into reprisal attacks, killings and arson.

“Upon receipt of the report, a combined team of Police personnel and military operatives was swiftly deployed to the affected area, successfully restoring normalcy and preventing further escalation of violence,” the police said.

The state equally witnessed a deadly attack on worshippers at Ori-Oke Ajaiye in Ekiti Local Government Area, where three persons were killed and 15 others abducted during a night vigil.

According to police spokesperson “Armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination.”

Deadly raids persist in Benue despite security operations

Benue State has also witnessed renewed attacks in recent weeks. Though authorities insist there is relative peace in parts of the state, communities in Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Ogbadibo local government areas have continued to record killings and kidnappings blamed largely on suspected armed herdsmen.

One of the victims Ojama Emie, a public health worker who was reportedly ambushed and beheaded along the Ikobi-Ugbokpo axis in Apa Local Government Area.

Amid the violence, security operatives recorded some successes in Sankara axis where three suspected bandits were killed during a gun duel along the Vaase-Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area.

Edet Udeme, the Police spokesperson said “One AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition and a motorcycle were recovered from the suspects.”

Abduction sparks fear across communities in Niger

In Niger State, fears of kidnapping intensified after a private security guard allegedly disappeared with his employer’s two six-year-old children, Umar and Anastasia, in Minna.

The children’s father, Alhaji Danjuma, said the suspect, Sani Abdulrahman, allegedly took the children out under the guise of celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir festivities. The family later reportedly received a call from persons claiming to be in Erena Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area, demanding ransom.

Confirming the incident, Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Command said investigations had commenced and efforts were ongoing to rescue the children safely.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command intensified proactive operations, arresting 27 suspects during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts in Suleja metropolis and recovering weapons, illicit drugs and other dangerous items.

The police said the raids formed part of ongoing efforts to curb criminality and reassure residents of their safety during and after the festive season.

The renewed violence across the North Central region has once again raised questions about security strategies and underscored the urgent need for sustained efforts to protect lives, restore public confidence and end the cycle of attacks that continues to haunt communities across the region.