Police Confirm Bandit Attack in Niger Community, Launch Rescue Efforts for Abducted Family

 Police Confirm Bandit Attack in Niger Community, Launch Rescue Efforts for Abducted Family

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed a deadly bandit attack in Dukku community, located in Rijau Local Government Area of the state, and says security agencies are working to rescue members of a family abducted during the incident.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, left a local resident, identified as Abubakar Gari, dead after suspected armed men stormed his home. The assailants reportedly shot Gari at close range before abducting members of his family and fleeing the area.

Security analyst Bakatsine, who first drew attention to the incident, said the attackers invaded the community under the cover of darkness, gaining access to Gari’s residence before carrying out the killing and abduction. According to him, the gunmen escaped to an unknown location with the victims.

Gari was buried on Saturday in line with Islamic burial rites, as residents of the community mourned the loss and expressed growing fears over worsening insecurity in the area.

Shortly after the burial, the attackers were said to have contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for the release of the abducted relatives. The ransom demand has further heightened tension within the community, where residents say attacks have become increasingly frequent.

It was also reported that the attackers deliberately left behind Gari’s infant child, who is still being breastfed. Community members described this act as a calculated attempt to intensify emotional pressure on the grieving family and force them into complying with the ransom demand.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command received a distress report at about 1:30 a.m. on February 20, 2026.

According to him, preliminary information indicated that suspected armed men invaded the residence of Abubakar Gari in Dukku village, shot him dead, and kidnapped members of his family to an unknown destination.

“The corpse was taken to the General Hospital for necessary procedures, while tactical teams have been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims,” Abiodun said.

He added that while the police were aware of reports circulating about a ransom demand, the command could not independently confirm such claims at the time, noting that investigations were still ongoing.

Residents of Rijau Local Government Area have expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of violence spreading across parts of Niger State. Community leaders say fear has forced many families to abandon their homes, especially in rural settlements that lack adequate security presence.

The latest incident comes amid a broader wave of insecurity in the state. In a separate but related development, residents of Maje village in Borgu Local Government Area were thrown into panic on Friday night after suspected terrorists attempted to invade the community.

Local sources said the attackers set several houses on fire before being repelled by local vigilantes, preventing what could have been another deadly attack. The incident reportedly occurred near Konkoso village, an area that has witnessed recent deadly assaults.

Observers have warned that while community self-defense efforts have helped prevent some attacks, the rising insecurity requires stronger and sustained intervention from security agencies to avoid further loss of lives.

Over the past few days, multiple communities in Borgu Local Government Area have reportedly suffered coordinated attacks, resulting in several deaths and the destruction of property. Many residents have since fled to safer areas, leaving behind deserted villages.

Affected communities are now appealing to the federal and state governments to urgently reinforce security operations, protect vulnerable rural settlements, and ensure the safe return of abducted victims.

As investigations continue, the Niger State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious movements to help curb further attacks.