Nigeria’s central Niger State is currently grappling with a severe security crisis, with over 100 individuals abducted in a series of attacks targeting several villages following Friday prayers. Police and residents have confirmed that the attackers, reportedly wearing military-style clothing, targeted communities in the Borgu Local Government Area, a region known for its remote landscapes and limited security presence. According to a statement released by the Niger State Police Command, the attacks on Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida, and Masaka villages resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people and the abduction of over 100 individuals, representing a significant increase in the region’s security challenges. The investigation suggests the perpetrators are believed to be organized criminal gangs involved in kidnapping and looting across Nigeria, a trend that has been observed in the same area for several months. A recent report by the Nigerian Security and Defence Forces (JSF) indicated that 145 people had been rescued in a major security operation, including more than 160 abducted individuals in neighboring Kwara State. This operation, which involved a significant number of personnel, highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain order in regions like Niger State, which has also been linked to activities of Jihadist groups operating in parts of north-western Nigeria and across the border region. Local officials have expressed concerns that these groups are increasingly utilizing remote forests and weak security infrastructure to launch raids and kidnappings, further complicating law enforcement efforts. The Borgu area has been identified as a focal point for these activities, with reports of increased religious restrictions imposed by Jihadist fighters, potentially recruiting young people into criminal organizations. Last week, over 20 people were killed in the local government area, a tragic event that underscores the severity of the situation. In November 2025, gunmen also abducted more than 200 pupils from a school in Papiri, in Niger State. The children were released about a month later. Despite ongoing military and police operations, significant portions of Niger State remain inaccessible to security forces, allowing armed groups to operate from forested areas and carry out attacks on isolated communities, posing a serious threat to civilian safety and stability.
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Source: Adom Online
