Reports say that more than forty people have been killed and hundreds abducted after gunmen attacked four villages in Nigeria’s Niger state. The assailants, wearing military-style clothing, raided communities in the remote Borgu area near the Benin border, reportedly targeting several mosques during prayers. A local youth leader claimed that as many as five hundred have been kidnapped, although this remains unverified. Footage subsequently released by the attackers showed captives sitting in a forest, providing some families with evidence that missing relatives were alive. Many residents have fled to neighbouring states or crossed into Benin, while injured survivors are receiving hospital treatment. The attackers also reportedly planted improvised explosive devices, one of which killed a teenage boy attempting to escape. Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, has ordered security forces to pursue those responsible. The latest attacks are likely to add to concerns over the government's ability to protect communities in remote areas where armed groups have become increasingly active and are seemingly operating with impunity.

308 kidnapping victims have been rescued from captivity in Nigeria, including 163 people abducted when suspected jihadists attacked the village of Woro in February, killing at least 165 people. Many of those freed had spent six months in harsh conditions in a national park forest and are now receiving hospital treatment in Ilorin. Doctors reported severe malnutrition, skin diseases, fractures and considerable psychological trauma, with some children requiring intensive care and blood transfusions. Survivors described enduring hunger and beatings and being forced to bury fellow captives who died. Women gave birth in the forest without medical assistance, including some shortly before the rescue. The captives had been held alongside people kidnapped from other communities. Mass abductions for ransom remain a serious security problem across northern and central Nigeria, where jihadist organisations and armed criminal groups operate amid continuing instability. Medical teams say the rescued victims are responding to treatment.

At least 30 people, including eight children, have been killed after armed attackers raided the predominantly Christian village of Naridon in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The overnight assault left homes burned, many people injured, and frightened families fleeing into nearby bushland. Local leaders say the community has endured repeated attacks, with dozens of people killed in recent months, and are urgently appealing for stronger protection. While some residents believe the attackers were suspected Fulani ethnic militants, no group has claimed responsibility and authorities have not confirmed who was behind the violence. Christian leader Stephen Hajara called on the Nigerian government to strengthen security, arrest those responsible, and prevent further bloodshed. Amnesty International condemned the killings, while Kaduna State officials pledged humanitarian assistance and increased cooperation with neighbouring regions to improve security. The latest tragedy highlights the continuing insecurity facing many rural communities and the desperate need for justice, protection, and lasting peace across affected areas.

Pray: for God's comfort, protection, and justice for Nigeria's vulnerable Christian communities, and lasting peace across the region. (Psalm 34:18)
More: https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/calls-for-action-after-30-killed-in-nigerian-christian-village-attack

More than four hundred women and children abducted earlier this year by Boko Haram militants in northeastern Nigeria have been freed, according to local leaders and government officials. The captives were taken from communities around Ngoshe in Borno State, a region that has experienced repeated attacks during the long-running Islamist insurgency. A local youth leader said his group had secured the release of all those who were abducted, whereas the military said an intelligence-led operation helped secure the freedom of 360 people who had been held in difficult conditions. Tragically, two infants reportedly died from exhaustion during captivity. The circumstances surrounding the release remain unclear; Boko Haram had reportedly demanded large ransom payments. The release brings relief to many affected families, yet highlights the continuing insecurity in northeastern Nigeria, where years of violence have claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.

Pray: giving thanks for this welcome news. Pray for healing, protection and lasting freedom for vulnerable communities. (Psalm 91:14)
More: www.africanews.com/2026/06/09/hundreds-of-kidnap-victims-freed-from-nigerian-jihadists/

Three Christians were killed and 15 others abducted when armed attackers stormed a church prayer vigil in Kwara State, western Nigeria, on 23 May. The assault took place during an overnight gathering at a remote prayer site near Ekerin village, where gunmen opened fire before taking worshippers to an unknown location. Police launched a major rescue operation involving tactical units, intelligence teams and drone support, while authorities pledged to bring those responsible to justice. In response to growing insecurity, local officials have urged churches in isolated areas to suspend all-night services. Human rights groups condemned the attack and warned that parts of Kwara State are experiencing increasing levels of terrorism, kidnappings and violent crime. They highlighted similar attacks on churches in recent months and called for stronger action to protect vulnerable communities. Nigeria continues to experience severe persecution and violence against Christians, with more believers reportedly killed there than in any other country during the past year.

Pray: for comfort, protection and freedom for abducted and grieving families. (Psalm 34:18)
More: www.christianpost.com/news/3-christians-killed-at-prayer-vigil-gunmen-abduct-15-others.html

Communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta are pursuing legal action against Shell over extensive environmental damage linked to repeated oil spills from the Nembe Creek Trunk Line pipeline. Internal company documents disclosed during court proceedings suggest that as early as 2008 there was disagreement between senior executives over the risks of continuing operations, and there were repeated breaches of the company’s own technical standards. Residents of affected communities say decades of pollution have devastated fishing grounds, damaged livelihoods and raised concerns about long-term health impacts. Shell maintains that much of the pollution resulted from large-scale oil theft, sabotage and illegal refining activities, arguing that it invested heavily in spill prevention and clean-up efforts. The case centres on more than a hundred leaks between 2011 and 2013, with communities seeking compensation and environmental restoration. The dispute highlights the lasting consequences of pollution in one of the world’s most important oil-producing regions.

Pray: that justice will be done. Pray for restoration and healing to come to affected communities. (Isaiah 58:12)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdrp8v7407ro