Terrorists struck the Kemanji community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and killed four soldiers in the early hours of Monday, 20 April 2026.
The raid began around 3am when the group entered the border settlement near thick forests.
They targeted a military camp, where some soldiers were resting.
A gun battle followed and lasted about two hours until around 5am.
Residents say the terrorists used explosives during the clash.
Security forces pushed back, but four soldiers lost their lives in the fighting.
One local vigilante also suffered serious injuries.
Reports of the exact number of soldiers killed vary between three and five, though community accounts point to four.
The attackers took several residents during the operation.
Locals describe the group as Lakurawa men, with possible links to larger terrorist networks such as ISWAP or Boko Haram.
The community sits close to areas where such groups have operated before.
People in Kemanji woke up to the sound of heavy gunfire and explosions that echoed through the night.
Many families hid as the exchange continued.
By morning, the situation had calmed, but shock remained among those who witnessed the events.
This incident adds to ongoing security concerns in parts of north-central Nigeria, especially in border communities like Kemanji.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the full details or the next steps for recovery and response.
Families of the fallen soldiers and abducted residents now face difficult days ahead as they seek answers and support.
The raid has left the community on edge, with calls for stronger protection in the area.
