Bandits Abduct Worshippers After Juma’at Prayers in Niger, Police Begin Rescue Operation

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of several Muslim worshippers by suspected bandits in communities within Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Friday shortly after Juma’at prayers at the Central Mosque in Dekara community. Armed attackers reportedly stormed several nearby settlements, including Gidan Zana, Masaka and Sabon Gida, and abducted an unspecified number of residents.

Among those reportedly kidnapped is the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekara, according to community sources.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said security operatives had launched a rescue operation to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

He noted that no fatalities had been recorded during the attack and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of those abducted.

Abiodun explained that security operations in the area were being slowed by difficult terrain, poor road networks and a collapsed bridge linking the affected communities to the Borgu Local Government headquarters.

According to him, these challenges have made it harder for security personnel to access some of the communities and pursue the attackers.

Despite the logistical difficulties, security agencies have intensified search and rescue efforts across surrounding forests and suspected escape routes used by the kidnappers.

The latest abduction has renewed concerns about insecurity in remote parts of Niger State, where residents continue to face threats from armed criminal groups.

Authorities have urged community members to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could support rescue operations and help bring the attackers to justice.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted worshippers had not been officially disclosed.