At least 30 people have been killed and several others are missing following a coordinated attack on three villages in northwestern Nigeria, authorities and residents said on Saturday.

Armed gunmen on motorcycles launched the early-morning raids in the communities of Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, all located in Niger State’s Borgu region along the border with Kwara State. Many homes were reportedly set ablaze during the assaults.

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Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police, confirmed the attack on Tunga-Makeri, saying six people were killed and an unspecified number of residents were abducted. He also confirmed the attack on Konkoso but did not provide further details. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as several villagers remain unaccounted for.

The raids come amid a surge in insecurity across northern Nigeria, where armed gangs, locally known as “bandits,” and Islamist militants have carried out deadly attacks and kidnappings for ransom. Earlier this month, militants killed more than 160 people in nearby areas of Kwara State.

The violence occurs against a backdrop of international scrutiny, following recent U.S. claims alleging targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria. Nigerian officials have rejected the allegations, emphasizing that both Muslims and Christians are affected by insecurity.

The United States has recently strengthened security cooperation with Nigeria, conducting targeted strikes against armed groups and deploying a military team to assist local forces in combating the ongoing threat.

The Niger State authorities have appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations into the attacks continue.