Kidnapping of Former SUBEB Chairman Sparks Concerns Over Banditry in Niger State
The former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, has been kidnapped. The incident occurred on Monday, September 29, 2025, around 4 p.m., when Niworo and several other travelers were taken by attackers between Felegi and Ibi communities along the Mokwa-New Bussa road in Borgu LGA.
According to reports, the group included Niworo and other individuals such as Barrister Ahmad, who were en route to Minna when they were intercepted by armed assailants. The attackers blocked the road and led the captives into a nearby forest. In addition to Niworo, several traders returning from the New Bussa weekly market were also abducted.
Villages Allegedly Shielding Terrorists
Some of the victims who were released after paying millions of naira in ransom revealed to Daily Trust that their captors were sheltered by certain villages where they set up camps. One such village was Telle in Mashegu LGA, with others including Koloho and Fanga also allegedly used as hideouts.
While independent verification of these claims remains difficult, the police have previously arrested individuals for aiding banditry. In May 2025, security operatives arrested the village head of Guiwa, Garba Mohammed, and 13 others from Telle and other villages in Mashegu, Borgu, and Rijau LGAs for involvement in banditry.
Arrests Linked to Bandit Activities
The arrests followed clearance operations targeting hideouts of kidnappers and bandits in the Mashegu area. On May 22, 2025, police and vigilante members conducted operations in areas like Magaman-Daji forest, leading to the arrest of several suspects. On May 23, 2025, authorities stormed Guiwa and Telle villages, arresting the Mai-Angwan of Guiwa village, Mall. Garba Mohammed, for using his residence as a hideout for bandits.
During the operation, four motorcycles and ten cattle were recovered from his home. Thirteen others were also arrested in different locations within Mashegu LGA for similar reasons. Although the police spokesperson did not provide names of all suspects, sources identified several individuals, including Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu of Wawa village, Umar Abubakar of Gwajibo, Musa Mohammed of Telle village, and others.
Telle Village’s Role in Banditry
Residents reported that Telle and neighboring villages have become notorious for aiding and abetting attacks in the region. A source noted that Telle village is located in the Mashegu LGA and has faced banditry, with residents experiencing attacks, livestock theft, and abductions.
Farmers Fleeing Due to Ongoing Attacks
Farming communities in Mariga, Magama, Kontagora, Mashegu, Borgu, and Rijau LGAs in the Niger North Senatorial District have continued to flee their homes for the past five days due to renewed attacks and the constant movement of bandits.
On Tuesday, residents reported that over 200 bandits invaded Ibeto, a community in Magama LGA, forcing people to flee. A video shared by a resident showed women and children walking through dark paths with torchlights to escape. Another source mentioned that bandits entered Magama and Yangale, kidnapping four people in the process.
In Talle, a village in Kulho ward of Mashegu LGA, bandits reportedly invaded around 2 p.m. on Monday, ordering shop owners to close their businesses and blocking access routes. Some residents managed to escape, while others remained trapped.
Escalating Violence and Lack of Government Response
Residents of Ragada and adjoining communities in Mariga LGA have fled their homes since Sunday due to bandit activity. One resident shared that they slept on mountains despite rainfall, watching bandits cook food in their homes.
On Saturday afternoon, dozens of travelers were also kidnapped along the Kontagora-Rijau road. The Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry for Homeland Security did not respond to calls or messages regarding the situation.
However, the police spokesperson confirmed the attack on the Ibbi-New Bussa road, stating that one officer was injured and a patrol vehicle was damaged during the confrontation. He added that the police tactical team engaged and repelled the attackers.
