Kwara Governor Confirms 75 Muslims Killed by Islamist Terrorists in Kaiama
In a tragic development that has shocked the nation, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has confirmed the killing of seventy-five local Muslims by Islamist terrorists in Kaiama. The governor made this solemn announcement during an emergency visit to the affected community on Wednesday night, February 4, 2026, following one of the deadliest attacks Nigeria has witnessed in recent months.
Governor's Emergency Visit and Community Engagement
Governor Abdulrazaq arrived in Kaiama accompanied by service chiefs and cabinet members, demonstrating the gravity of the situation. He was received by the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Mu'azu Shehu Omar (Bagidi Kiyaru IV), and immediately engaged with community leaders to assess the damage and offer condolences. The governor disclosed that the victims were massacred simply for refusing to surrender to extremists who were preaching what he described as a strange doctrine.
During his visit, Governor Abdulrazaq commiserated with the grieving community and assured them of the government's commitment to restoring security. The attack reportedly lasted several hours and has been confirmed by police authorities, highlighting the brazen nature of the assault on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Presidential Approval for Military Response
In response to the escalating violence, Governor Abdulrazaq announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion for counter-offensive operations codenamed Operation Savannah Shield. This military intervention aims to address the growing security threats in the region and prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.
The approval comes at a critical time as Boko Haram's violent tactics have raised significant concerns among security experts and local residents. The terrorist group's expansion beyond its traditional strongholds in the north-west into Kwara and Niger states represents a dangerous shift in Nigeria's security landscape.
Background of the Attack and Security Concerns
Residents and local leaders disclosed that the latest attack came approximately five months after the banned terrorist group sent a letter to the district head of Woro, Salihu Umar, notifying him of their intention to visit the community for radical preaching. This chilling advance warning underscores the audacity of the terrorists and their systematic approach to spreading violence.
Woro is strategically located on the fringes of Kainji National Park, a vast forest reserve covering about 5,341 square kilometers that has increasingly become a hideout for various armed groups. While Ansaru (locally known as Mamuda) has operated in the area since around 2020, Boko Haram fighters moved into the forest in July 2025, according to reports from Premium Times.
Expanding Terrorist Activities in the Region
For years, bandits and terrorists have mainly targeted communities in Nigeria's north-west region. However, recent months have witnessed a disturbing expansion of their activities to other parts of the country, particularly Kwara and Niger states. Some jihadists, suspected to be from a Boko Haram splinter faction, have been particularly active in Kwara, carrying out targeted killings while often riding motorcycles to attack markets and vigilante groups established to protect villagers.
The Nigerian military has intensified operations against these armed groups, with January seeing the launch of sustained coordinated offensive operations against terrorist elements in Kwara State. While the military reported achieving notable successes, the Kaiama attack demonstrates the persistent threat facing communities in the region.
Broader Security Context and Government Response
Governor Abdulrazaq's administration has been responding to rising incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks, particularly along the Kwara-Niger axis. The recent tragedy in Kaiama has brought renewed attention to Nigeria's security challenges, which have been under intense scrutiny in recent months.
Insecurity in Africa's most populous country gained international attention when former US President Donald Trump alleged a genocide of Christians in Nigeria. However, the Nigerian government and many independent experts have rejected this claim, emphasizing that the country's security crises claim the lives of both Christians and Muslims, often without distinction.
The Kwara State government continues to work with federal authorities to address the security situation, with Operation Savannah Shield representing the latest effort to protect vulnerable communities from terrorist attacks and restore peace to the region.
