Niger State

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A video purportedly showing a large number of people held captive by suspected bandits in a forest has surfaced online, days after a mass abduction in Niger State.

The footage, which has circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp, shows several captives surrounded by armed men in what appears to be a forested location.

The development comes two days after gunmen reportedly abducted at least 600 worshippers during Friday prayers at a mosque in Dekera village, Niger State.

Residents said the attackers carried out simultaneous raids across several communities in the area and took away a large number of people.

Children could be seen crying in the video, while an armed man who spoke in Hausa appeared to address relatives of the captives and asked them to identify their family members.

“These are all your people,” the gunman said.

The video has since generated concern over the safety of the abducted worshippers and other residents in the affected communities.

The incident has also heightened security concerns in Niger State as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

The authenticity of the video and the identities of all the people shown in it could not be independently verified from the report.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bandits have reportedly killed the District Head of Galla in Niger State’s Borgu Emirate after attacking his palace.

The incident was disclosed by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on X on Monday.

According to the analyst, the traditional ruler was allegedly targeted after he warned bandits against entering his community.

“Bandits have killed the District Head of Galla, under the Borgu Emirate in Niger State, during an attack at his palace.

“Reports say the monarch was targeted after warning the bandits to stop entering his community,” Bakatsine wrote.

He also said the slain district head was a brother to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

The report comes amid continued security concerns in parts of Niger State, where communities have faced attacks and other criminal activities by armed groups.

No further details were provided on the circumstances of the attack or whether security agencies had made any arrests in connection with the incident.

By Uzair Adam

The Permanent Commissioner of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Barrister Ahmed Mohammed, is still being held by bandits nine months after his abduction, despite reports that his family paid N40 million ransom in an effort to secure his freedom.

Barrister Ahmed was kidnapped on September 29, 2025, along the Mokwa–Ibbi Road in Borgu Local Government Area while travelling to Minna on an official assignment.

His abduction occurred about a month before the state’s local government elections held on November 1, 2025.

A member of his family, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the kidnappers have now demanded an additional N300 million for his release.

The source said the abductors contacted the family again on Monday to inquire whether they were prepared to meet the latest demand.

However, the family informed them that it could not raise such an amount.

“The bandits call almost every day. It was only on Tuesday that they did not call. We are appealing to the Niger State Government to intervene and help secure his release.

“He was abducted while carrying out an official assignment for the state government,” the source said.

Speaking on the development, a close friend of the victim, Ayuba Abubakar, said the family had exhausted all available options in its efforts to regain his freedom.

He expressed concern over reports indicating that Barrister Ahmed’s health condition has worsened during captivity.

“On behalf of his family, colleagues and well-wishers, I appeal to the Niger State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently step in and ensure his safe and unconditional release,” Abubakar said.

The continued captivity of the electoral commissioner has heightened concerns among his family members, friends and associates, who are calling for swift action to secure his freedom.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops attached to Forward Operating Bases (FOB) AUDU and BABANNA have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout during a patrol operation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a report shared on his official X account on Wednesday.

According to the report, the operation was carried out around 10:30 a.m. on June 14, 2026, after security personnel received credible intelligence about the presence of a suspected terrorist camp within the Saminaka–Kanau axis.

The troops conducted a fighting patrol across the area and searched locations linked to criminal activities.

Although the soldiers did not encounter any suspected terrorists during the mission, they reportedly located and dismantled the hideout. They also destroyed a logistics and administrative facility believed to have been used by the criminal group.

Military sources cited in the report said the operation was executed successfully and without any incident.

The report added that security forces are continuing efforts to maintain a strong presence in the area and prevent criminal elements from operating freely within the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Mahmud Abubakar, the Sonfada Etsu Nupe, has passed away, sparking mourning across Niger State and the Nupe Kingdom.

Governor Umaru Bago expressed sorrow over the development and sent his condolences to Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.

In a statement released on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago described the death as a “colossal loss” not only to the Nupe Kingdom but also to the entire state.

He extended his sympathy to the Bida Emirate as well as the immediate family of the deceased, and prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Sonfada and grant him Aljanat Firdaus.

The governor also called on the family to remain committed to prayers for the repose of the deceased’s soul and to uphold his legacy through acts of service to humanity.

Bago recalled the contributions of the late Abubakar to the growth and development of the Nupe Kingdom and Niger State, noting that his impact “will always be acknowledged and re-echoed for many years to come”.

The statement added: “He prays that the immediate family of late Alh. Mahmud will continue to be steadfast in praying for the repose of his soul even as he urges them to emulate his good deeds in serving humanity.”

It further stated: “The farmer governor recalls the numerous contributions made by the late Sonfada in the development of the Nupe Kingdom and the State in general and adds that, his efforts will always be acknowledged and re-echoed for many years to come.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI has continued its offensive against terrorist networks, with fresh operations targeting logistics and financial structures that sustain insurgent activities.

Military authorities said the renewed push followed recent defensive victories recorded in Pulka and Madara-Girau. The successes, they noted, created the momentum for troops to expand operations aimed at cutting supply routes and weakening terrorist support systems across the theatre.

According to the press statement, the coordinated efforts are designed to retain operational advantage, restrict the movement of insurgents, and dismantle their logistics and funding framework.

On 16 February 2026, troops of Sector 1, working with Vigilante Forces, launched a night ambush along a crossing route often used by ISWAP عناصر moving from the Cameroon axis into Nigeria. The fighters were unaware of the concealed troop positions. They advanced into heavy enfilade fire and retreated in confusion after the engagement.

Security forces later searched the scene of the encounter. They recovered a large quantity of logistics materials believed to have been meant for terrorist resupply. The development, according to military sources, has reduced the group’s ability to sustain operations in the area. Troops still dominate the location and continue follow-up actions to consolidate their hold.

In a separate operation, soldiers at the Forward Operating Base, Chabbal Checkpoint, intercepted a suspicious vehicle carrying five occupants. A detailed search led to the discovery of approximately Thirty-Seven Million Naira (₦37,000,000.00) hidden in bags. Several mobile phones were also recovered. Authorities suspect the items are linked to terrorist financing and coordination.

The military described the interception as a major success in efforts to dismantle financial channels believed to support insurgent logistics and operations.

Officials added that the combined actions reflect a broader strategy focused on choking supply chains while targeting funding sources. Pressure on transit routes and support networks, they said, is intended to weaken terrorist elements and limit their ability to rebuild combat strength.

The Military High Command praised the vigilance, professionalism, and resilience of troops as well as collaborating security agencies. It stated that the morale and combat efficiency of personnel remain high.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorist threats and restoring lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.

The statement was signed by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, and dated 16 February 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing flood resilience in Nigeria, with a particular focus on Niger State, through a new supplementary budget project implemented by UNESCO.

The Embassy of Japan in Nigeria shared the development on its Facebook page, underlining its commitment to long-term societal stability and climate resilience in the country.

On 28 January 2026, Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo participated in the Arrangement Letter Signing Ceremony for the project, titled “Strengthening Flood Resilience in Nigeria to Foster Long-Term Societal Stability – Focus on Niger State,” at the UN House in Abuja.

The event drew several dignitaries, including Dr. Hajo Sani, Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO; Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, Permanent Secretary of the Ecological Project Office; Dr. Latif Olagunju, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO; and Dr. Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, Acting Head of the UNESCO Abuja Office.

The initiative, funded by the Japanese government with a contribution of approximately USD 53,000, is designed to shift Nigeria’s approach from reactive disaster response to proactive, climate-resilient development strategies. Implementation will be carried out by the UNESCO Abuja Office.

In his remarks, Ambassador SUZUKI emphasized that “the project contributes to fostering South-South and triangular cooperation through UNESCO’s networks and Japan’s expertise in disaster risk management via the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM).”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists have killed 36 people and destroyed over 50 houses in a three-hour rampage on two communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The attack, which targeted Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso villages in Konkoso Ward, has left the communities deserted as all women and children have fled for safety.

According to local sources, the death toll rose from 26 on Saturday to 36 by Sunday morning as more bodies were recovered from surrounding bushes. Several residents remain unaccounted for.

“As of this morning, we have recovered 36 bodies, some of them from the nearby bushes. Many people are still missing, and we don’t know whether they were taken away by the terrorists or not,” said Musa, a community source from Tungan Makeri.

The attackers, who operated freely for over three hours, slaughtered residents and set buildings ablaze without encountering any resistance. Tungan Makeri bore the brunt of the assault, with more than 50 houses either destroyed or burnt down.

“We have been burying our dead since yesterday. All the women and children have left. No security agent has visited the communities since the attack began,” Musa lamented.

As of Sunday afternoon, neither the state government nor the police had issued any statement regarding the massacre. Multiple attempts to reach the Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Mallam Nasiru Mohammed, proved unsuccessful.

The Borgu kingdom, encompassing Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas, has witnessed escalating terrorist violence in recent months. The region has seen scores killed, many abducted, and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

Notable previous incidents include the abduction of over 300 students from Papiri Missionary School in Agwara Local Government last November. Unconfirmed reports suggest over ₦1 billion in ransom was paid for their release after one month in captivity.

In January, terrorists also razed a cattle market in Kasunwa Deji, killing seven people and stealing numerous cattle.

Concerned political and traditional leaders in the kingdom have urgently appealed to the Federal Government to deploy security agents and establish a military base in the area.

Speaking to journalists, the leaders described the situation as “not only worrisome but scary,” noting that the entire Borgu kingdom has been under siege for the past three months.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected Boko Haram fighters carried out fresh assaults in parts of Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State late Friday night.

The attacks were disclosed by security reporter and analyst, Comrade Zakari Y. Adamu Kontogora, through a post on his Facebook page where he detailed the incident.

He reported that the armed men moved across several communities. They opened fire on residents and set houses ablaze during the raids.

Quoting security operatives who spoke with his newspaper, he said no fewer than 21 people lost their lives after the gunmen invaded Konkoso community.

The sources also revealed that the assailants extended their attacks to nearby settlements such as Pissa, Zango and Tungan Maƙeri. Casualties were recorded in the affected villages. Properties were destroyed as homes and shops were burnt.

Residents were said to be gripped by fear as the attackers reportedly remained within the general area as of the time this report was filed.

There has been no official statement yet from security authorities regarding the incident or the number of casualties recorded.

By The Daily Reality

Dr. Umaru Sanda Ahmadu College of Education (USACOE), Minna, Niger State, has honoured the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in recognition of its immense contributions to the development of education in Nigeria.

The College, founded in 1975, presented an Institutional Award of Recognition to NERDC for “Regulatory Oversight, Guidance and Support” during its Golden Jubilee celebration held on 31st January, 2026. The anniversary programme, which marked fifty years of the institution’s existence, took place from 30th January to 1st February, 2026.

The Institutional award was presented to the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Professor Salisu Shehu, who was represented at the event by the Director, Library and Informatics Centre (LIC), Dr. Mandela Asebiomo. While presenting the award, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Guest Speaker at the occasion, Justice (Dr.) Abdullahi Usman Bello, commended NERDC for its effective discharge of regulatory oversight, guidance, and support functions within the Nigerian education system.

Dr. Umaru Sanda Ahmadu College of Education, named after its pioneer Provost, Umaru Sanda Ahmadu, was initially established as a Teachers’ Training College. Over the years, the institution has undergone significant transformation and has since evolved into a degree-awarding institution offering programmes in various education-related disciplines.

The Golden Jubilee celebration, organised by the College Alumni Association in collaboration with the Management and Staff Unions, attracted the presence of representatives of the Niger State Government, heads of government agencies, members of the academia, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other distinguished guests.