Plateau State attacks
Seven illegal miners were killed in an attack on a mining site in the Capitex area of Kuru, Plateau State, around 1 a.m. on April 16, 2026. As of April 16, 2026, the incident is believed to have been carried out by bandits, with troops recovering ten empty ammunition shells. This attack follows a series of violent incidents in the region, including the killing of eight people in Mbwelle village on April 9, 2026, and a previous attack on March 29, 2026, in Angwan Rukuba that left at least 27 dead. President Bola Tinubu visited Jos on April 11, 2026, to commiserate with victims and promised the deployment of AI-enabled cameras to combat insecurity, while the Plateau State Police Command has banned night grazing and night mining activities.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
April 2026 — 4 developments
Seven illegal miners were killed in an attack on a mining site in the Capitex area of Kuru, Plateau State.
Seven illegal miners were killed in an attack on a mining site in the Capitex area of Kuru, Plateau State. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday night and is believed to have been carried out by bandits. Troops recovered ten empty ammunition shells, and preliminary investigations suggest the assailants intended to seize illegally mined minerals.
President Bola Tinubu visited Jos on April 11, 2026, to commiserate with victims of recent attacks in Plateau State.
President Bola Tinubu visited Jos on April 11, 2026, to commiserate with victims of recent attacks in Plateau State. He assured that such incidents would not recur and promised the deployment of AI-enabled cameras to combat insecurity.
Gunmen killed at least eight people in Mbwelle village on April 9, 2026, and seven miners the following morning in Kuru community, Plateau State.
Gunmen killed at least eight people in Mbwelle village on April 9, 2026, and seven miners the following morning in Kuru community, Plateau State. These attacks add to a series of violent incidents in the region.
The Plateau State Police Command has imposed a statewide ban on night grazing and night mining activ…
The Plateau State Police Command has imposed a statewide ban on night grazing and night mining activities following recent deadly attacks, including the killing of three miners on April 3, 2026. Additional security teams have been deployed, and patrols increased across the state.
March 2026 — 2 developments
The death toll from the March 29, 2026, attack in Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State, has risen to at leas…
The death toll from the March 29, 2026, attack in Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State, has risen to at least 27, with initial reports indicating over 28 fatalities, including a pregnant woman. Eyewitnesses reported indiscriminate shootings by gunmen. Governor Caleb Mutfwang announced that the security situation has been brought under control.
Seven miners were killed and three others injured in separate attacks on mining sites in Plateau State, Nigeria.
Seven miners were killed and three others injured in separate attacks on mining sites in Plateau State, Nigeria. Incidents occurred in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area, and Wang community, Bokkos Local Government Area, while the victims were working. The Berom Youth Moulders-Association confirmed the attacks, condemning them as violations of human life and calling for investigations.
February 2026 — 6 developments
Seven more victims of a recent attack in Plateau State, Nigeria, were buried in Bassa Local Government Area on February 26, 2026.
Seven more victims of a recent attack in Plateau State, Nigeria, were buried in Bassa Local Government Area on February 26, 2026. The burial ceremony in Miango turned into a protest as community leaders decried the ongoing killings. Among the buried were a graduate and health officer, and five members of the same family who were shot dead in their homes.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered security agencies to intensify operations in Barki…
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered security agencies to intensify operations in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area following an attack on Ratatis community on February 22, 2026, which resulted in at least 10 deaths. Nine victims were laid to rest in a mass burial on February 24, 2026. Governor Mutfwang condemned the killings as "barbaric and senseless."
Ten people were killed in coordinated night attacks on February 23, 2026, in Plateau State, Nigeria, targeting communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas.
Ten people were killed in coordinated night attacks on February 23, 2026, in Plateau State, Nigeria, targeting communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas. The Berom Youth Moulders Association reported seven deaths and three injuries in Dorowa Babuje, while another report indicated nine deaths there and one in Jol. Separately, seven people were killed and two injured in a suspected reprisal attack by Fulani militias in Dorowa Babuje village on February 22, 2026.
At least ten people were killed in coordinated night attacks on communities in Plateau State, Nigeria, heightening fears of renewed violence.
At least ten people were killed in coordinated night attacks on communities in Plateau State, Nigeria, heightening fears of renewed violence. The assaults targeted Ratatis, Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi, and Jol in Riyom Local Government Areas on Sunday night. Initial reports indicated seven persons were killed, with later updates confirming nine deaths in Dorowa Babuje and one in Jol.
Three illegal miners were killed in Tenti Campani village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau S…
Three illegal miners were killed in Tenti Campani village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, after being attacked, robbed, and killed while returning from a concealed mining site. Troops have launched patrols in the area, and an investigation is underway.
The Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State has suspended mining activities and imposed a curfew from 5 p.
The Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State has suspended mining activities and imposed a curfew from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. across two districts. This action follows a string of deadly attacks around mining communities.
January 2026 — 11 developments
Six farmers were killed in a fresh attack by suspected armed bandits in Unguwar Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Six farmers were killed in a fresh attack by suspected armed bandits in Unguwar Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. on Friday.
The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the killing of seven miners and called for urgent government action to address the insecurity.
The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the killing of seven miners and called for urgent government action to address the insecurity.
Seven people, aged between 15 and 28, were shot dead in an overnight attack at a mining site in Nigeria's central Plateau state on January 23, 2026.
Seven people, aged between 15 and 28, were shot dead in an overnight attack at a mining site in Nigeria's central Plateau state on January 23, 2026. Military task force troops found seven bodies and spent cartridges at the scene. This incident is part of a pattern of coordinated attacks on communities in Plateau State.
The deadly attack on miners is reported to fuel existing ethno-religious tensions in Nigeria's Middl…
The deadly attack on miners is reported to fuel existing ethno-religious tensions in Nigeria's Middle Belt region, placing the incident within a broader pattern of conflicts between Muslim herders and Christian communities.
Seven miners were reportedly killed in Jos South in retaliation for the theft of 102 livestock.
Seven miners were reportedly killed in Jos South in retaliation for the theft of 102 livestock. This incident is part of a pattern of attacks and counter-attacks between communities in Plateau State.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed outrage over the attacks, describing them as 'cruel and unacceptable.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed outrage over the attacks, describing them as 'cruel and unacceptable.' He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and directed security agencies to scale up intelligence-driven operations to identify, track, and arrest those responsible, emphasizing the need for swift investigation and prosecution.
Seven miners were killed on Thursday morning, January 22, 2026, when gunmen attacked a mining site in the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Seven miners were killed on Thursday morning, January 22, 2026, when gunmen attacked a mining site in the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State. Community members reported that the assailants arrived and began shooting indiscriminately. Security personnel recovered ammunition at the scene, and preliminary investigations are ongoing.
Troops of Operation Safe Haven were alerted and mobilized to the tin mining site in Kuru community following the attack.
Troops of Operation Safe Haven were alerted and mobilized to the tin mining site in Kuru community following the attack. This immediate security response was not previously reported.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) condemned the killings, identifying the seven victims by name and describing the attack as a 'brutal assault on innocent lives.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) condemned the killings, identifying the seven victims by name and describing the attack as a 'brutal assault on innocent lives.' The association attributed the attack to 'armed Fulani terrorist elements' and called for a decisive security response.
The Plateau State Police spokesperson, Alfred Alabu, confirmed the attack, stating that full details were still being verified as investigations were ongoing.
The Plateau State Police spokesperson, Alfred Alabu, confirmed the attack, stating that full details were still being verified as investigations were ongoing.
The Nigerian Army's Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), also referred to as Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), confirmed the recovery of seven bodies and 10 empty 7.
The Nigerian Army's Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), also referred to as Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), confirmed the recovery of seven bodies and 10 empty 7.62mm ammunition shells from the scene. Security sources noted the victims were at the site despite a state ban on night and illegal mining activities.
December 2025 — 2 developments
The remains of 12 miners, killed in a suspected bandit attack in Plateau State, have been buried.
The remains of 12 miners, killed in a suspected bandit attack in Plateau State, have been buried. The victims were reportedly attacked and killed while working at a mining site in Fan Community. This incident is part of ongoing violence in the region.
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias stormed a mining site in Ratoso Fan District, Barkin Ladi Loc…
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias stormed a mining site in Ratoso Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Tuesday night, killing 12 miners and abducting three. Separately, seven people were killed in a night attack on an illegal mining site at Capitex, Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area, on Thursday morning. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned these attacks as barbaric and senseless.