Niger State bandit attacks and government response
Gunmen attacked Bagna and Erena villages in Niger State on April 14, 2026, killing at least 20 people and forcing residents to flee, following a week where militants killed a Brigadier General and at least 133 civilians and security personnel across northern Nigeria. As of April 16, 2026: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the January 2026 attack on Kasuwan Daji market and ordered security forces to apprehend perpetrators and rescue abductees. Over 150 civilians were abducted in the week following Easter Sunday, with a significant number taken in Niger State, adding to the 150 villagers abducted in early April 2026 from communities including Shiroro LGA. Niger State Governor Umar Bago has pledged to end banditry, while President Bola Tinubu previously ordered the full deployment of military, police, and intelligence services to address the attacks.
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April 2026 — 4 developments
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the January 2026 attack on Kasuwan Daji market, ordering security forces to apprehend perpetrators and rescue abductees.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the January 2026 attack on Kasuwan Daji market, ordering security forces to apprehend perpetrators and rescue abductees. On April 14, 2026, gunmen attacked Bagna and Erena villages in Niger State, killing at least 20 people and forcing residents to flee.
Militants killed a Brigadier General and at least 133 civilians and security personnel across northern Nigeria in the week following Easter Sunday.
Militants killed a Brigadier General and at least 133 civilians and security personnel across northern Nigeria in the week following Easter Sunday. Over 150 civilians were abducted, with a significant number taken in Niger State, highlighting ongoing security challenges.
On April 7-8, 2026, gunmen attacked several communities in Niger State, including Shiroro LGA, resulting in at least 33 deaths and over 150 villagers abducted.
On April 7-8, 2026, gunmen attacked several communities in Niger State, including Shiroro LGA, resulting in at least 33 deaths and over 150 villagers abducted. The assailants destroyed homes and overwhelmed security forces, prompting residents to flee.
Gunmen killed at least 33 people, including security operatives and civilians, in attacks on Bagna a…
Gunmen killed at least 33 people, including security operatives and civilians, in attacks on Bagna and surrounding villages in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, in early April 2026. This incident follows a January 2026 attack on Kasuwan Daji market where 30 to 50 people were killed.
March 2026 — 2 developments
Niger State Governor Umar Bago has pledged to end banditry and other criminal activities plaguing the state, emphasizing a renewed commitment to security.
Niger State Governor Umar Bago has pledged to end banditry and other criminal activities plaguing the state, emphasizing a renewed commitment to security. This statement follows a series of deadly attacks in January and February 2026, including a market raid that claimed at least 30 lives.
Suspected terrorists bombed a bridge in Niger State on March 23, 2026, using explosives to hinder security operations.
Suspected terrorists bombed a bridge in Niger State on March 23, 2026, using explosives to hinder security operations. This incident follows a pattern of terror-related violence, including a market attack on January 4, 2026, that killed at least 30 villagers and abducted many others.
February 2026 — 4 developments
The death toll from coordinated gunmen attacks on three villages in Niger State has risen to at least 46, according to a report citing witnesses and local police.
The death toll from coordinated gunmen attacks on three villages in Niger State has risen to at least 46, according to a report citing witnesses and local police. The village of Konkoso experienced the bloodiest attack, with at least 38 people killed and many homes burned. An attack on Tunga-Makeri village resulted in six deaths, with some houses set ablaze.
Coordinated dawn raids by gunmen on three communities in Niger State—Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa—have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people.
Coordinated dawn raids by gunmen on three communities in Niger State—Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa—have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people. Six individuals were killed in Tunga-Makeri, where an unspecified number of people were also abducted. A resident reported 26 deaths in Konkoso.
Armed assailants on motorbikes killed at least 30 people and burned houses and shops during raids on three villages in northwest Nigeria's Niger State.
Armed assailants on motorbikes killed at least 30 people and burned houses and shops during raids on three villages in northwest Nigeria's Niger State. These attacks in the Borgu Local Government Area are part of a surge blamed on "bandits" who have carried out deadly assaults and abductions across the region.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the full deployment of military, police, and intelligence services to apprehend the perpetrators of recent bandit attacks in Niger State.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the full deployment of military, police, and intelligence services to apprehend the perpetrators of recent bandit attacks in Niger State. These attacks have resulted in at least 32 deaths and an unspecified number of abductions in the Borgu area.
January 2026 — 46 developments
Suspected terrorists killed seven people in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, including a Kainji Lake National Park staff member.
Suspected terrorists killed seven people in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, including a Kainji Lake National Park staff member. Additionally, a previous attack on Kasuwan-Daji village resulted in at least 30 deaths and several abductions, with the local market and houses being razed.
Police confirmed that six bodies were recovered following a new bandit attack in the Wawa community of Niger State's Borgu Local Government Area on January 22, 2026.
Police confirmed that six bodies were recovered following a new bandit attack in the Wawa community of Niger State's Borgu Local Government Area on January 22, 2026. The attack occurred when a man and his son were ambushed on their way to a farm.
Suspected armed bandits attacked Unguwar Wawa community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least six farmers.
Suspected armed bandits attacked Unguwar Wawa community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least six farmers. The assailants opened fire on farmers working in their fields on Friday night.
Nigerian soldiers rescued 62 hostages and killed two militants in a separate operation in the Munhaye Forest of Zamfara state.
Nigerian soldiers rescued 62 hostages and killed two militants in a separate operation in the Munhaye Forest of Zamfara state.
The Niger State government directed residents in hamlets around Kainji Lake to vacate the area.
The Niger State government directed residents in hamlets around Kainji Lake to vacate the area. Additionally, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria called for stronger protection of civilians, civilian spaces, and schools.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago clarified that the attack on Kasuwan Daji Market was carried out by rival bandit groups fighting over control of the illegal cattle trade.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago clarified that the attack on Kasuwan Daji Market was carried out by rival bandit groups fighting over control of the illegal cattle trade. This reframes the perpetrators from the previously stated Boko Haram fighters.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago described Kasuwan Daji market as a 'market of thieves' and attributed the January 3rd attack, which killed over 40 locals, to Boko Haram fighters.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago described Kasuwan Daji market as a 'market of thieves' and attributed the January 3rd attack, which killed over 40 locals, to Boko Haram fighters. He stated the market was targeted because rustled cattle are sold there.
The Niger State government has ordered the immediate closure of Kasuwan Daji market following the de…
The Niger State government has ordered the immediate closure of Kasuwan Daji market following the deadly attack, with Governor Umar Bago issuing the directive during a condolence visit.
A specific Boko Haram faction, led by Abubakar Saidu, was implicated in the Kasuwan Daji Market attack and was also linked to the November kidnapping of 300 children.
A specific Boko Haram faction, led by Abubakar Saidu, was implicated in the Kasuwan Daji Market attack and was also linked to the November kidnapping of 300 children.
Gunmen on motorcycles attacked Kasuwan Daji village on January 3rd, opening fire at the market, burning homes, looting food supplies, and abducting residents.
Gunmen on motorcycles attacked Kasuwan Daji village on January 3rd, opening fire at the market, burning homes, looting food supplies, and abducting residents. This occurred amidst an escalation in Nigeria's insurgent conflict, following US missile strikes in December targeting Islamic State camps in Sokoto State.
Bandit attacks have led to widespread destruction and significant displacement, forcing many familie…
Bandit attacks have led to widespread destruction and significant displacement, forcing many families to abandon their homes due to persistent insecurity and a perceived lack of security presence.
Residents of Kasuwan Daji reported sighting suspected bandits in the area days after the deadly market attack, raising fears of continued insecurity.
Residents of Kasuwan Daji reported sighting suspected bandits in the area days after the deadly market attack, raising fears of continued insecurity. The community also disputed official casualty figures, claiming between 42 and 60 people were killed.
A member of the Borgu Royal Family, Murtala Dantoro, blamed the attack on the absence of security presence and "systematic failure" by both federal and state governments.
A member of the Borgu Royal Family, Murtala Dantoro, blamed the attack on the absence of security presence and "systematic failure" by both federal and state governments.
Nigeria's Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, extended condolences to the communities affected by the attacks in Kasuwan Daji.
Nigeria's Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, extended condolences to the communities affected by the attacks in Kasuwan Daji.
Gunmen also razed several houses during the attack on Kasuwan-Daji village, in addition to the market.
Gunmen also razed several houses during the attack on Kasuwan-Daji village, in addition to the market. This incident occurred shortly after Niger State authorities announced a phased reopening of schools.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, expressed deep concern over the January …
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, expressed deep concern over the January 3, 2026, attack on Kasuwan-Daji Market, emphasizing it as a serious violation of human rights.
The Kasuwan Daji market attack, which killed over 50 people including Reverend Ishaya Bamayi, is now reported to have occurred on January 6th, not January 3rd.
The Kasuwan Daji market attack, which killed over 50 people including Reverend Ishaya Bamayi, is now reported to have occurred on January 6th, not January 3rd. Following the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the military, police, and DSS to track down the responsible terrorists.
Heavily armed bandits conducted coordinated assaults across several communities in Niger State, exte…
Heavily armed bandits conducted coordinated assaults across several communities in Niger State, extending into parts of Kebby State, between December 28, 2025, and January 3, 2026, killing residents and burning homes.
The death toll from the attack on Kasuwan Daji Market has risen to 50, up from an initial 42.
The death toll from the attack on Kasuwan Daji Market has risen to 50, up from an initial 42. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Senator have condemned the attack and mourned the victims.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator called for stronger protection of civilians and schools in Niger State.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator called for stronger protection of civilians and schools in Niger State. A mass funeral was held for the victims, while residents reported security forces were slow to arrive and attackers came from the National Park Forest.
A pastor was identified among the over 50 people killed during the attack on Kasuwan Daji market.
A pastor was identified among the over 50 people killed during the attack on Kasuwan Daji market.
Gunmen, described as bandits, attacked the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Niger State, on Satu…
Gunmen, described as bandits, attacked the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Niger State, on Saturday, January 4, 2026, killing at least 50 people and abducting several residents. The attackers set stalls on fire, looted food supplies, and fired indiscriminately. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators and directed security forces to rescue the abducted victims.
Colonel Yahaya suggested the Niger State market attack was preventable due to unaddressed early warnings.
Colonel Yahaya suggested the Niger State market attack was preventable due to unaddressed early warnings. Reports also indicated that terrorists used a Rocket Propelled Grenade during the January 3rd attack.
Colonel Yahaya stated that the market attack, which resulted in over 55 deaths and more than 100 abductions, was preventable due to early warnings that were not acted upon.
Colonel Yahaya stated that the market attack, which resulted in over 55 deaths and more than 100 abductions, was preventable due to early warnings that were not acted upon. This new death toll is higher than previously reported figures.
Several individuals were abducted during the Kasuwan Daji market attack, a detail not previously reported.
Several individuals were abducted during the Kasuwan Daji market attack, a detail not previously reported. President Bola Tinubu also condemned the incident.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed profound sadness over the terrorist attack on com…
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed profound sadness over the terrorist attack on communities in the Borgu local government area, describing it as cruel and extending condolences for the numerous deaths, kidnappings, and destruction.
Bandits reportedly roamed parts of Niger and Kebbi states for days, carrying out coordinated attacks between December 28th and January 3rd.
Bandits reportedly roamed parts of Niger and Kebbi states for days, carrying out coordinated attacks between December 28th and January 3rd. During these attacks, 42 men were executed in Kasuwan Daji.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun officially confirmed the market attack.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun officially confirmed the market attack. New reports also indicate the attacks affected multiple communities in Agwarra and Borgu LGAs, including Kaima village, with casualties including 37 in Kasuwa Daji and 5 in Kaima village.
Security forces have launched a rescue operation following the attack where gunmen reportedly set the market ablaze and rounded up, tied, and killed residents.
Security forces have launched a rescue operation following the attack where gunmen reportedly set the market ablaze and rounded up, tied, and killed residents. A mass funeral was held for the victims, and the wounded are receiving treatment.
The death toll from the market attack in Demo village, Niger State, has risen to 50.
The death toll from the market attack in Demo village, Niger State, has risen to 50. President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attack and ordered security measures in response.
Residents reported that security forces had not yet arrived at the scene, contradicting police claims of deployment.
Residents reported that security forces had not yet arrived at the scene, contradicting police claims of deployment. President Bola Tinubu also stated that the perpetrators are suspected terrorists fleeing recent U.S.-assisted airstrikes.
At least 42 people were killed and an unspecified number, including children, were abducted in attacks by terrorists on communities in Agwarra and Borgu LGAs of Niger State.
At least 42 people were killed and an unspecified number, including children, were abducted in attacks by terrorists on communities in Agwarra and Borgu LGAs of Niger State. Following these attacks, President Bola Tinubu ordered an urgent security response, instructing top security officials to pursue the attackers and rescue all captives.
During the January 3rd market attack, 42 men were tied up and executed, and many people, including women and children, were abducted.
During the January 3rd market attack, 42 men were tied up and executed, and many people, including women and children, were abducted. Attackers also set the market ablaze, looted shops, and destroyed a Catholic mission house.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu condemned the January 3rd attack on Kasuwan Daji market.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu condemned the January 3rd attack on Kasuwan Daji market. Among those abducted were students from St. Mary's Private Catholic Schools in Papiri, some of whom were reportedly re-abducted after previous escapes.
The attack occurred in Demo village, Kabe District, and President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack, directing security agencies to pursue the assailants.
The attack occurred in Demo village, Kabe District, and President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack, directing security agencies to pursue the assailants.
The perpetrators of the market attack are suspected to be from a Boko Haram faction.
The perpetrators of the market attack are suspected to be from a Boko Haram faction. The incident also occurred near the site of a schoolchildren abduction from the previous year.
During the attack on Kasuwan Daji market, the gunmen looted food items and other goods before fleeing.
During the attack on Kasuwan Daji market, the gunmen looted food items and other goods before fleeing.
The attack on Kasuwan Daji market is reported to be part of a series of raids that commenced on Friday in nearby communities such as Agwarra and Borgu.
The attack on Kasuwan Daji market is reported to be part of a series of raids that commenced on Friday in nearby communities such as Agwarra and Borgu.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the military, police, and State Security Service to track down and apprehend those responsible for the Kasuwan Daji attack.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the military, police, and State Security Service to track down and apprehend those responsible for the Kasuwan Daji attack. He also directed security agencies to urgently rescue all kidnapped victims.
The assailants, identified as bandits, arrived on motorcycles to carry out the attack.
The assailants, identified as bandits, arrived on motorcycles to carry out the attack. They are believed to operate from Kainji Lake National Park.
The death toll from the attack has risen to at least 42 people.
The death toll from the attack has risen to at least 42 people. Authorities believe the gunmen, who had been conducting a series of raids in Agwarra and Borgu LGAs for over a week, emerged from the National Park Forest.
A resident, speaking anonymously, stated that the gunmen had been lurking around nearby communities for about a week before the attack, which lasted for up to three hours.
A resident, speaking anonymously, stated that the gunmen had been lurking around nearby communities for about a week before the attack, which lasted for up to three hours. Survivors are reportedly too afraid to recover the bodies without security presence.
Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, spokesman for the Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese, where the attack o…
Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, spokesman for the Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese, where the attack occurred, told local media that the gunmen killed more than 40 people and that some of those abducted were children.
Residents contradicted the police's claim of security deployment, reporting that security forces had yet to arrive in the area as of Sunday.
Residents contradicted the police's claim of security deployment, reporting that security forces had yet to arrive in the area as of Sunday. Some residents also put the death toll higher, at 37, and suggested it could be much greater as people remained missing.
Niger State police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the attack, stating that over 30 victims lost their lives and some persons were kidnapped.
Niger State police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the attack, stating that over 30 victims lost their lives and some persons were kidnapped. He added that a joint security team had visited the scene and efforts were ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims.
Armed men attacked Kasuwan-Daji village, abducting an unspecified number of residents and setting fire to the local market, looting shops, and destroying homes.
Armed men attacked Kasuwan-Daji village, abducting an unspecified number of residents and setting fire to the local market, looting shops, and destroying homes. Police have since deployed an emergency response team and launched search-and-rescue operations.
August 2025 — 1 developments
The Nigerian Army has warned criminal elements that Kontagora and its environs are no longer safe havens, following a field demonstration of artillery guns.
The Nigerian Army has warned criminal elements that Kontagora and its environs are no longer safe havens, following a field demonstration of artillery guns. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State reported that terrorists are actively planning kidnappings in Niger and may carry out attacks anywhere in the country.