Dozens of people have been killed by unidentified gunmen in a ferocious attack on two villages in Nigeria's western state of Kwara, local lawmaker Saidu Baba Ahmed has told BBC Hausa. The attackers set fire to shops and homes, along with the residence of the traditional leader, forcing the residents of Nuku and Woro to flee, he added. The death toll is unclear, with Ahmed saying at least 35 people had died, while a Red Cross official told the AFP news agency the figure had gone up to 162. The attack, one of several across Nigeria in the last 24 hours, comes as the defence minister confirmed to the BBC that a small team of U.S. troops was in the country to help with intelligence and training. This is the first official acknowledgment from Nigeria of an American troop presence since U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the military in November to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups. Defence Minister Chrisopher Musa did not provide details on the team's size, arrival date, location, or duration of stay. Musa described the partnership with Nigeria as 'a great example of a very willing and capable partner.' Nigeria faces an array of security challenges including criminal gangs known locally as 'bandits' who loot and kidnap for ransom, an Islamist insurgency, clashes over land, and separatist unrest. Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi told the BBC that the attack on the neighbouring villages of Nuku and Woro began at 17:30 local time on Tuesday - and she blamed suspected bandits. Various security forces have been deployed to the area, but details on casualties remain unclear. The whereabouts of the traditional king are reportedly unknown. The situation in Nigeria emphasizes the need for continued international support in addressing these severe security dilemmas as the U.S. further engages with Nigerian forces.