Bandits kill 16 vigilantes, abduct 42 villagers in fresh Niger state attacks

Bandits Kill 16 Vigilantes, Abduct 42 Villagers in Fresh Niger State Attacks

At least 16 vigilante operatives have been killed and 42 residents abducted following multiple bandit raids across communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The coordinated attacks, which occurred between Sunday, November 9, and Thursday, November 13, 2025, forced hundreds of villagers to flee their homes, leaving entire settlements deserted.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the first attack happened on Sunday when bandits stormed Dutsen Magaji village, abducting 22 people.

“Vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle. In the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are in the hospital,” he said.

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The gunmen reportedly returned before dawn on Thursday, targeting Magama village during early morning prayers.

“They surrounded the mosque while people were praying and kidnapped more than 20 people. Vigilantes followed them, unaware of an ambush. Thirteen vigilantes were killed,” the source added.

The Press Secretary to the Mashegu LGA chairman, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings, describing the slain operatives as heroes who died protecting their communities.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the attacks and provide updates.

Residents said that since Monday, several communities had been abandoned, including Dutsen Magaji, Borin-Aiki, Gidan Ruwa, and Magama, as families fled to Mashegu town, Kawo-Mashegu, and Manigi. Many displaced persons are currently staying with relatives in safer locations.

Meanwhile, the abductors of former chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, have yet to release him despite reports that his family paid ₦70 million ransom.

He was kidnapped alongside NSIEC Commissioner Barrister Ahmad Mohammed and others on September 29, 2025, along the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Borgu LGA.

Bandits Kill 16 Vigilantes, Abduct 42 Villagers in Fresh Niger State Attacks