A local official in Nigeria reported that 13 farmers were kidnapped in a rural area in the latest wave of attacks by armed gangs.

Nigeria has witnessed several mass abductions over the past two weeks, including the kidnapping of more than 300 students in Niger State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State — all later released.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency and ordered the recruitment of tens of thousands of new army and police personnel.

Northern and central states continue to face increasing activity by “bandit” gangs targeting villages for ransom.