Bandits have launched a devastating assault on communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, killing at least 42 people and abducting numerous residents, including children. The attacks, ongoing for a week, reportedly exploited security gaps in the region.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants emerged from the National Park Forest along Kabe District, targeting villages such as Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, Kaima, and surrounding areas. At Kasuwan Daji Market, the bandits opened fire indiscriminately, killing mostly market women, looting shops, and setting properties ablaze. Additional victims were reportedly killed along Babanna Road during the bandits’ retreat toward Kainji Park Forest.

The Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese, through Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, confirmed over 40 deaths and multiple abductions, including children from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri. Father Kabirat said the Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction while the bandits destroyed religious items, looted N200,000, and stole motorcycles. Many residents have since fled into the bush for safety.

The Niger State Police Command verified the attacks, stating they occurred around 4:30 pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed casualties and abductions, noting that joint security teams had been deployed with rescue operations ongoing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the attacks, linking them to terrorists fleeing Sokoto and Zamfara after a U.S. airstrike on Christmas Eve. He directed the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DSS Director-General to apprehend the perpetrators and carry out urgent rescue operations. “These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the President said.

Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago described the attacks as cruel and nefarious, confirming active pursuit by security agencies. He urged residents to remain resilient, prayed for the safe return of abducted victims, and called for restoration of destroyed livelihoods.

The incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen security measures in vulnerable communities around Niger State forests.