Bandits Kill 32 Farmers, Abduct Many in Fresh Attack on Niger Communities

No fewer than 32 farmers have been killed by bandits in coordinated attacks on Tugan-Makeri, Konsoko, and Pissa communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Residents said the first assault occurred in Tunga-Makeri, located in Konkoso Ward, at about 3:00 a.m., where six people were killed.

The attackers reportedly moved to Konsoko and Pissa communities around 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, firing indiscriminately. In the subsequent attacks, 26 people were said to have been killed, while several buildings, including a police outpost, were set on fire.

Sources noted that the exact number of casualties in Pissa community in Kabe/Pissa is yet to be confirmed.

A resident, Hassan Abdullahi, stated that the attackers, estimated to be over 200 in number, operated for hours.

He said the assault, which began around 6:00 a.m., lasted until about 10:00 a.m., adding that the affected communities are about 200 kilometres from the Nigerian Air Force Base in New Bussa, the headquarters of Borgu LGA.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that the attack on Tugan-Makeri village occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on Saturday.

He said six people were killed, several houses were burnt, and an unspecified number of residents were abducted. Abiodun also confirmed that the assailants later advanced toward Konsoko, though details of the incident there remained unclear.

He said, “On 14/2/2026 at about 6:00 a.m., a report was received indicating that at about 3:00 a.m., suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village via Shafachi District in Borgu LGA.

During the attack, six persons lost their lives, some houses were set ablaze, and a yet-to-be-ascertained number of persons were abducted. The terrorists were also reported to have moved to Konkoso village, while other details remain sketchy.

“Meanwhile, joint security teams have been mobilised to the scene for assessment, and efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing.”