Nigeria has deployed an army battalion to the Kaiama area of Kwara after gunmen raided the village of Woro. Officials and aid groups reported heavy casualties. Some tallies reached 162 dead as searches continued. The presidency condemned the assault and promised protection for civilians.
What we know so far
Armed men stormed Woro on Tuesday evening. Shops burned and the village palace was torched, according to local officials. Police confirmed the attack but did not issue a toll. A Red Cross official in Kwara cited at least 162 deaths. The governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, mentioned 75 fatalities in an early update. Such gaps are common when access is limited.
Who is blamed and what that implies
President Bola Tinubu linked the raid to Boko Haram. State officials also referred to “terrorist cells” active in the wider region. In recent months, analysts tracked shifting militant activity in the northwest and center-north, with incidents edging south. Clear attribution will guide military and intelligence tasks in the coming days.
Army deployment and immediate measures
The presidency ordered a battalion to Kaiama to secure communities and pursue the attackers. Local authorities tightened security, including curfews in sensitive zones. The move follows recent operations in Kwara forests against armed groups, which may have prompted reprisals.
Conflicting death tolls and the search for facts
Figures evolved as rescuers reached hamlets and recovered bodies. Media cited the Nigerian Red Cross, lawmakers on the ground, and the state government. Verification will take time given distance, terrain, and communication limits. International outlets reported at least 160 deaths across Woro and nearby areas.
A wider security picture
Nigeria faces overlapping threats. Jihadist insurgents operate in the northeast. Criminal bandit networks raid across the northwest and the center-north. Some actors show ideological ties to Sahel groups. In November 2025, the federal government declared a national security emergency to expand recruitment and operations. The Woro killings now test that strategy.
Key questions in the coming days
Can reinforcements prevent follow-on raids and protect displaced families. Will investigators identify the cells responsible and disrupt their logistics. Can humanitarian teams reach survivors with medical care and shelter. Authorities say operations are under way and that more assets will arrive in the affected corridor.
In sum, the Woro attack ranks among the deadliest in recent months. Troop deployment signals a forceful response, but accurate casualty confirmation and civilian protection remain urgent. The government’s ability to stabilise Kwara will shape public trust as communities demand safety and accountability.
