Gunmen have killed at least 60 people across several remote villages in northwest Nigeria this week, local clergy and humanitarian groups said on Wednesday.

The attacks, spanning two neighbouring states of Kebbi and Niger, have hit at least 10 villages, according to clergymen and a humanitarian report seen by AFP.

According to a situation report citing three local humanitarian sources, including a health facility and a community organising group, 20 deaths were recorded in a Tuesday attack in Erena, in Shiroro local government area of Niger state.

A separate military security report said the attackers were "bandits" with "sophisticated arms" who "invaded (a) military camp."

Hundreds flee

Police confirmed the Shiroro attack, adding "two vigilante members and a driver from the joint security team" were killed.

In neighbouring Kebbi, a clergy member said he could confirm that 24 had been killed "but from the reports we are getting today there are more than 40 killed."

At least 500 people have fled and are being sheltered in churches and schools in Yauri town in Kebbi state.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility, but police blamed a local terrorist group known as Mahmuda for the attacks in Kebbi.

Formerly allied to Boko Haram

Mahmuda group, active in northwest Nigeria, is affiliated with Mahmud al Nigeri, a senior official in the Ansaru terrorist group.

Ansaru broke away from the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Kebbi state sits on Nigeria's border with Benin and Niger, and since 2025 has been targeted by a rising number of terrorist attacks.