The attack happened in Niger’s Shiroro ⁠district, where kidnapping gangs and Islamist ​militants are known to operate.

Niger state police spokesperson ​Wasiu Abiodun said gunmen invaded Bagna and Erena villages on Tuesday and, when security responded, two ​community guards and a driver were killed ​, and others were injured.

But residents said at least 20 people ‌were ⁠killed and that the attackers, who also destroyed homes, operated for several hours and overwhelmed security personnel in the area.

Some ​villagers fled to ​the ⁠nearby towns of Gwada Zumba, and Galadima Kogo, the residents said.

Insecurity ​is Nigeria’s biggest problem, and President ​Bola ⁠Tinubu is pushing to allow Nigeria’s 36 states to establish their own police to ⁠help ​curb the violence.