The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda–linked group, has claimed responsibility for an attack in northern Nigeria, marking the group’s first known operation inside the country.
The assault took place in Kwara State, near the border with Benin, killing one Nigerian soldier and resulting in the capture of weapons and military equipment by the attackers.
The incident signals a major expansion for JNIM, which is traditionally based in the Sahel region, following its June announcement of plans to form a combat unit in Nigeria.
The move comes as the Nigerian military faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts, battling Islamic State fighters, Boko Haram factions, and other armed groups across the country.
Nigeria’s new army chief has warned that resource shortages are hampering counterinsurgency efforts, as reports indicate that more than 10,000 people have been killed in related violence over the past two years.
