First Known JNIM Attack in Nigeria

An al-Qaeda–linked group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), claimed responsibility for its first known attack in Nigeria, killing one soldier in Kwara State on Wednesday. The group also reportedly seized ammunition and cash during the raid, according to a video posted on its Telegram channel.

A Nigerian military source confirmed the attack but the army did not comment further.

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JNIM’s Regional Presence

Formed in 2017, JNIM has primarily operated in Mali, Burkina Faso, and parts of Niger, aiming to establish an Islamic caliphate and expel Western-influenced governments. The group has also carried out operations in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, and Togo.

Recent activities include:

• A fuel blockade in Mali, disrupting imports and forcing schools to close.
• Large-scale attacks in Burkina Faso, including Djibo (May 2025), killing ~200 soldiers, and Barsalogho (2024), killing ~200 civilians.

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Nigeria Faces Multiple Threats

JNIM’s incursion comes amid ongoing conflict in Nigeria against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In response, President Bola Tinubu recently overhauled military leadership, warning commanders to take decisive action against emerging armed groups in northern, north-central, and southern regions.

“We must not allow these new threats to fester. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head,” Tinubu said.