Niger State has recorded multiple deadly attacks and abductions in 2026, with at least six major incidents reported between January and July, according to media and police reports.
On January 3, gunmen attacked Kasuwan-Daji and Demo communities in Borgu Local Government Area, reportedly killing more than 30 people, looting properties and abducting residents.
On February 14, simultaneous attacks on Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso and Pissa communities in Borgu LGA reportedly killed at least 32 people. Further attacks in the Borgu area on February 14 and 28 were linked to suspected Boko Haram combatants, with reports indicating that at least 71 people were killed and others abducted.
In Rafi Local Government Area, an attack linked to a land dispute between June 30 and July 1 reportedly left 18 people dead, including 15 who were allegedly burnt to death.
A Vanguard report citing compiled media data estimated that 146 people were killed in Niger State between January 1 and February 10, underscoring the scale of insecurity in the state.
The latest incident occurred on August 21 in Borgu LGA, where suspected terrorists reportedly invaded Dekara, Gidan-Zana, Kpenya, Sabon Gida and Masata communities, abducting an unspecified number of residents and allegedly killing some people.
The Northern Senators’ Forum has condemned the attacks.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the forum’s chairman and Senator representing Katsina Central, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, described the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable.
He particularly condemned the abduction of worshippers from Kpenya Mosque shortly after Juma’at prayers, as well as residents of Gidan-Zana and Kpenya.
The forum called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the attackers and secure the immediate and safe release of the abducted victims.
It also urged authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable communities across the region to protect lives and property.
Many of the attacks in Niger State have been attributed to bandits operating from forest areas, including around Kainji National Park, as well as jihadist groups, according to security reports.
However, the actual number of attacks and casualties may be higher, as incidents in remote communities are often under-reported.
