At least 41 ethnic Fulani herders have been killed in a joint operation involving a state-backed Nigerian militia, local vigilantes, and security forces near the Nigeria–Benin border, according to local sources.
The raid reportedly took place around herding settlements in Kabe, within Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Sources said the operation was carried out by vigilantes from Bussa district in collaboration with counterparts from neighbouring Benin, with support from Nigerian soldiers.
A community leader from nearby Konkoso village, Ahmad Ali, said the victims were suspected of acting as informants for the jihadist group Ansaru.
“Security personnel killed 41 suspected Ansaru informants in the raids in which many others were arrested,” he said, adding that it was a coordinated effort involving both local and cross-border vigilante groups.
According to reports, security personnel conducted door-to-door operations in Fulani settlements, arresting young men suspected of links to the extremist group, while those who resisted were shot.
A humanitarian source, however, placed the death toll slightly lower at 38, attributing the killings to joint vigilante actions from Nigeria and Benin.
The Nigerian military has yet to confirm the incident, with a spokesperson stating that further details are being sought. Meanwhile, authorities in Benin have not responded to inquiries regarding their involvement.
The development comes amid growing security challenges in Niger State, where banditry, kidnapping, and the presence of extremist groups such as Ansaru have heightened tensions. Analysts have noted increasing concern over possible links between bandit groups and jihadist factions operating in the region.
Fulani communities have often faced suspicion due to alleged links with armed groups, though they are also victims of violence themselves. Experts warn that reprisals targeting civilians could worsen insecurity by fueling further radicalisation.
A resident of Kabe, who identified himself as Abubakar, described the operation as a “pre-emptive raid” following threats by some herders to disrupt farming activities after two of their kinsmen were killed over alleged ties to Ansaru.
He added that the extremist group had earlier attacked and burnt the nearby community of Sabalunna in retaliation, warning against further killings of its members.
“The Fulani herders openly threatened to disrupt farming this rainy season by attacking farmers in their fields. This prompted the pre-emptive raid,” he said, confirming the casualty figure of 41.
Following the violence, many herders have reportedly fled the affected settlements with their cattle, leaving the communities largely deserted as tensions continue to rise in the area.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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