OPENWATCH

CRISIS WATCH · NIGERIA

APRIL 2026

Rising Violence in Plateau and Zamfara Amidst Terrorist Threats

National Overview

April 2026 saw a significant escalation in violence and kidnappings across Nigeria, with notable deteriorations in Plateau and Zamfara states.

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    Terrorist Operations. Nigeria's security forces engaged heavily with terrorist groups, particularly in Borno and Yobe states. A tragic airstrike in Jilli Market, located between Yobe and Borno states, resulted in over 200 civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Boko Haram has threatened to execute 416 captives.
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    Kidnappings and Fatalities. Kidnapping incidents remain critically high, with Kwara and Borno states experiencing severe cases. In Kwara, terrorists kidnapped 176 residents from the Woro community, while in Borno, 416 victims were reported in the context of a broader security crisis.
  • •
    Armed Conflicts. Plateau State faced devastating violence, with exactly 500 fatalities reported due to attacks by armed Fulani militants. Security operations in the state have faced challenges in curbing the violence, leading to significant displacement and loss of life.
  • •
    Military Engagements. The Nigerian military conducted several successful operations against bandits and terrorists, particularly in Zamfara and Borno states, neutralizing hundreds of combatants and rescuing numerous hostages. Notably, Nigerian troops killed 216 terrorists and rescued 188 kidnapped victims across various regions.

We also tracked developments in: Adamawa, Kaduna, Yobe, and Cross River.

Plateau

102 INC696 KIA
NOV
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APR

Plateau State witnessed the highest number of incidents and fatalities, driven by ethnic violence and militant attacks.

Armed Militancy

Exactly 500 people were reported killed due to ongoing conflicts with armed Fulani militants. A specific incident on March 29 led to 30 deaths, prompting calls for urgent governmental action.

Military and Security Responses

Despite increased military presence, the violence has continued, with new attacks frequently reported throughout the month.

Borno

94 INC989 KIA
NOV
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APR

Borno State continues to be a hotspot for terrorist activity, with significant civilian and military casualties.

Terrorist Threats

The airstrike at Jilli Market was a major incident, killing over 200 civilians. Boko Haram's threats have been severe, with multiple kidnappings and explicit threats of execution.

Military Engagements

Security forces have been actively engaging terrorists, with notable operations in Maiduguri that neutralized over 280 terrorists.

Zamfara

41 INC340 KIA
NOV
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APR

Zamfara State faced a sharp increase in banditry and violent clashes, resulting in a high number of fatalities.

Banditry and Clashes

Military operations in Munhayi forest and Kunchin Kalgo village resulted in the deaths of numerous bandits, providing temporary relief to the local communities.

Yobe

21 INC333 KIA
NOV
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APR

Yobe State saw devastating impacts from both terrorist activities and military actions, including a deadly airstrike.

Civilian Casualties

The airstrike in Jilli Market, which resulted in over 200 civilian deaths, has raised serious concerns about the conduct of military operations in conflict zones.

Kwara

41 INC266 KIA
NOV
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APR

Kwara State experienced a significant number of kidnappings and terrorist attacks, particularly in the Woro community.

Kidnapping Crisis

The mass kidnapping in Woro and subsequent killings highlight the severe security challenges facing the state. The local population remains extremely vulnerable to terrorist actions.

TOP INCIDENTS

YOBE2026-04-12

A military air raid by the Nigerian Air Force targeting fleeing terrorists resulted in the deaths of over 200 civilians at Jilli market, located between Yobe and Borno states.

200 fatalities

KWARA2026-04-09

Terrorists have kidnapped 176 residents from the Woro community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara, with reports of over 200 locals killed in a previous attack.

200 fatalities

BORNO2026-04-02

Troops eliminated over 280 terrorists during Ramadan operations in Maiduguri, while also rescuing abducted civilians and disrupting terrorist logistics networks.

280 fatalities

PLATEAU2026-04-29

A coalition has reported that exactly 500 people have been killed in Plateau State due to sustained attacks by armed Fulani militants, with a specific incident on March 29 resulting in 30 fatalities.

30 fatalities

ZAMFARA2026-04-07

A security operation in Kunchin Kalgo village resulted in the deaths of between 80 and 100 bandits during a clash with security forces and vigilantes.

100 fatalities

Generated 20/05/2026, 14:51:19 WAT