Ten suspected terrorists were killed by forces during a military operation in Plateau State, and at least 49 people have been reported dead as a result of coordinated bandit attacks in Kebbi and Kwara states.

According to the Saturday PUNCH, the most recent wave of violence, which affected three states, has increased concerns about growing insecurity, especially in rural areas that armed groups routinely target.

Authorities in Kebbi have described the coordinated attacks on communities in Shanga Local Government Area as one of the bloodiest episodes in recent memory, with at least 44 people killed.

The simultaneous attacks on the impacted settlements of Gebe, Kalkami, Kawara, Kasoshi, Awaye, Tungar Rini, Binuwa, and Dabe left numerous families uprooted and hundreds in mourning.

In a statement released on Friday by its spokesperson, Bashir Usman, the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the occurrence and added that security personnel had taken prompt action and initiated a nationwide clearance operation.

“Further to our earlier press release dated April 6, 2026, the Kebbi State Police Command has responded decisively to the coordinated attack that affected the villages… resulting in 44 casualties,” he said.

“Following the attack, in line with directives of the Inspector-General of Police, massive deployments of police and other security agencies have been made, leading to the return of relative calm in the affected areas, while discreet investigations have commenced.”

The Inspector-General of Police ordered the operation, which aims to remove armed organizations from the state's forests, border towns, and isolated settlements.

As patrols and intelligence-led raids increase, police officials reported early successes, including the recovery of two AK-47 rifles in the Illo–Kamba axis.

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