26 Killed as Bandits Attack Niger Communities, Burn Police Station, Homes

A fresh bandit attack in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, has left at least 26 people dead, destroyed homes, looted shops, and burnt down a police station, heightening fears in communities already plagued by insecurity. The raid targeted Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso communities in Konkoso ward during the early hours of Saturday, with gunmen reportedly moving house to house in a coordinated assault.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to number over 200 heavily armed men, executed some victims after tying their hands behind their backs. Seven of the deceased were reportedly slaughtered outright, while others were shot. Survivors fled in panic, leaving behind belongings, homes, and shops as the assailants razed property in their path.

The bandits also burnt down the police station at Konkoso, forcing officers on duty to flee. Although no weapons were reportedly taken, the destruction of the security post underscores the attackers’ dominance during the raid. Local sources suggest the assault may have been retaliatory, targeting communities that recently petitioned the federal government for a military base to curb escalating attacks.

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A community insider explained that the attackers told residents the government could not protect them and warned of further raids. Those killed were reportedly among the villagers advocating for federal intervention, sending a chilling warning to others.

This attack follows a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) appeal made last week by political and traditional leaders in Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas, requesting the federal government urgently deploy troops and establish a military base. Leaders described the security situation as “worrisome and scary,” with the entire Borgu Kingdom under siege from bandits and criminals over the past three months.

Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, noted that residents now live in constant fear, unable to farm, trade, or carry out daily activities safely. He called for urgent government intervention to restore peace.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Niger State Government nor the state police command has issued an official response to the attack. Security experts warn that the latest raid underscores the escalating security crisis in Niger State and North-Central Nigeria, calling for swift military reinforcement, better intelligence deployment, and protection of vulnerable communities.

26 Killed as Bandits Attack Niger Communities, Burn Police Station, Homes

‘Anti-Muslim Timetable’: MURIC Slams INEC Over 2027 Elections

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the commission of acting as if there are no Muslims in Nigeria by fixing major election dates within the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued on 14 February 2026, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the timetable as exclusive, insensitive and provocative, warning that it could disenfranchise millions of Muslim voters across the country.

According to the schedule announced in Abuja on 13 February 2026 by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, the presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for 20 February 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are fixed for 6 March 2027. MURIC noted that Ramadan is projected to begin around 8 February and end about 10 March 2027, meaning all major elections would take place during the fasting period.

The organisation argued that holding elections during Ramadan would impose severe hardship on Muslim voters, electoral officials, ad hoc staff and security personnel who would be fasting while participating in a physically demanding national exercise. According to MURIC, this could lead to fatigue, reduced voter turnout and heightened tension at polling units.

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MURIC further accused INEC of failing to consider Nigeria’s religious diversity, questioning whether Muslim staff or commissioners were consulted during the drafting of the timetable. The group said proper consultation with past INEC chairmen would have highlighted the need to avoid scheduling elections during major national or religious events.

The group warned that the implications of the timetable go beyond inconvenience, alleging that it amounts to religious discrimination and an attempt to alienate and disenfranchise Nigerian Muslims. It also expressed concern that fasting security personnel and election workers could face excessive stress during early-morning deployments and long election hours.

Professor Akintola added that continued disregard for Muslim concerns could fuel anger among youths, warning that frustration may escalate if the timetable is not reviewed. He maintained that the election calendar gives the impression that Muslim opinions no longer matter in government decision-making.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not responded to MURIC’s claims or indicated whether it plans to review the 2027 election timetable. The development has sparked debate nationwide, with growing calls for inclusive and sensitive election planning in a multi-religious society like Nigeria.

‘Anti-Muslim Timetable’: MURIC Slams INEC Over 2027 Elections

Boko Haram Terrorists Release Video of 176 Abducted Kwara Residents

Suspected members of Boko Haram, formally known as Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, have circulated a video showing 176 abducted residents allegedly taken from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The disturbing footage, which has since sparked outrage and fear across the state, reportedly shows dozens of women and children seated in rows in an open area, surrounded by armed men. Among them were a nursing mother and several minors. Some of the children appeared half-clothed, while many of the captives looked visibly distressed, suggesting harsh conditions in captivity.

In the video, one of the armed men interrogates the captives, asking where they were abducted. Responding in Hausa, three women — including a nursing mother — stated that they were kidnapped from Woro community in Kaiama LGA.

During the recording, the terrorist accused the Kwara State Government of downplaying the scale of the abduction. According to him, while officials reportedly claimed that between 20 and 30 persons were kidnapped, the group insisted it was holding 176 victims.

“The Kwara State government lied to Nigeria and to the whole world,” the gunman alleged in the footage.

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As of the time of this report, the Kwara State Government has not publicly confirmed the number of persons abducted from Woro community nor officially responded to the claims made in the video.

Background to the Attack

The video emerged weeks after a deadly attack on Woro community on February 4, 2026, when suspected terrorists stormed the area in a coordinated assault. Local sources reported that several residents were killed during the invasion, including family members of the Emir of Woro, the Chief Imam, and education officials.

The traditional ruler, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, was reported missing following the attack, fuelling concerns that he may have been abducted during the raid. The assailants reportedly attacked both residents and travellers passing through the community, killing indiscriminately before retreating.

Security analysts have linked the attackers to extremist elements believed to have operational ties across the Sahel region, raising concerns about the possible expansion of insurgent networks into parts of North-Central Nigeria previously considered relatively stable.

Rising Security Concerns in Kwara

The incident has heightened anxiety across Kaiama LGA and surrounding districts, particularly in Kwara North, where residents say rural communities remain vulnerable due to limited security presence and difficult terrain.

While security agencies have reportedly intensified surveillance and deployment in affected areas, there has been no official statement confirming rescue operations or negotiations regarding the abducted victims.

Community leaders have called on the Federal Government and security forces to urgently intervene to secure the safe release of the captives and prevent further attacks.

The emergence of the video has once again drawn national attention to the evolving security challenges in Kwara State and the need for coordinated efforts to curb the spread of extremist violence beyond the North-East region.

Boko Haram Terrorists Release Video of 176 Abducted Kwara Residents