Kidnapping of Former Education Board Chairman Sparks Concerns Over Security 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 on Mokwa-New Bussa road in Borgu LGA. According to reports, the group included a Barrister named Ahmad, who was also among those abducted.
The attackers reportedly blocked the road and took the victims into the nearby forest. Among the abductees were traders returning from the weekly market in New Bussa. This event has raised serious concerns about the safety of residents and travelers in the region.
Villages Allegedly Shielding Terrorists
Some of the victims who were released after paying a substantial ransom revealed that their captors had used certain villages as camps. One such village is Telle in Mashegu LGA, with others including Koloho and Fanga also being mentioned. However, the extent of these villages’ involvement remains unverified.
In May 2025, security operatives arrested the village head of Guiwa, Garba Mohammed, along with 13 others from Telle and other villages in Mashegu, Borgu, and Rijau LGAs for aiding banditry. According to the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, the arrest followed an intelligence report about their alleged involvement with bandits.
Community leaders reportedly used the village head’s residence as a hideout where bandits met to plan their operations. Abiodun, a police spokesperson, mentioned that the arrests followed clearance operations targeting hideouts in the Mashegu area.
Recent Operations Targeting Bandits
On May 22, 2025, police and vigilante members conducted operations in identified hideouts in Mashegu LGA, such as Magaman-Daji forest. Most suspected kidnappers fled, while others were believed to have escaped with injuries. On May 23, the team stormed Guiwa and Telle villages based on credible information, leading to the arrest of the Mai-Angwan of Guiwa village, Mall. Garba Mohammed, for screening and aiding banditry activities.
Four motorcycles and ten cattle were recovered from his custody. Thirteen others were arrested in different locations within Mashegu LGA for similar reasons. Although the police spokesperson did not provide the names of the other suspects, sources identified them as individuals from various villages.
Residents Fleeing Due to Ongoing Attacks
Residents of 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. In the early hours of Tuesday, bandits numbering over 200 invaded Ibeto, a community in Magama LGA, forcing residents to flee.
A video shared by a resident showed women and children walking through dark paths with torchlights to escape. Another source reported that bandits entered Magama and proceeded to Yangale, where they kidnapped four people. Many residents are now hiding in the bush with their families.
Ongoing Threats and Inadequate Response
On Saturday afternoon, bandits reportedly invaded Talle, a village in the Kulho ward of Mashegu LGA. Residents stated that the attackers arrived around 2 p.m. and ordered shop owners to close their businesses. Access routes into the village were blocked, preventing entry and exit except for a few who managed to escape.
Daily Trust also gathered that residents of Ragada and adjoining communities in Mariga LGA have fled their homes since Sunday following the movement of bandits in the area. Some residents slept on mountains despite rainfall, watching bandits cook food in their homes.
On the same day, dozens of travelers were reportedly 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 but remained silent on other attacks. He mentioned that one policeman was injured and a patrol vehicle was damaged while repelling the attackers.
