Banditry: Over 300,000 Displaced In Niger – Bago

Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has disclosed that more than 300,000 persons have been displaced across 10 local government areas (LGAs) of the state due to persistent insecurity.

Niger remains one of the frontline states severely affected by banditry, with armed groups frequently attacking vulnerable communities, killing and abducting residents, including schoolchildren.

These attacks have disrupted livelihoods, forced mass displacement, and deepened insecurity across rural areas.

As a result, many families now live in a state of constant fear. Farmlands have been abandoned due to the threat of violence, while parents remain anxious about sending their children to school.

The sustained attacks have not only affected agricultural production but have also compounded humanitarian challenges in the state.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Minna after receiving humanitarian support from the federal government, Governor Bago explained that efforts to compile accurate data on the number of displaced persons are ongoing, given the continued assaults in the affected LGAs.

“For now, we can only provide an estimate. On average, we have over 300,000 people displaced across Niger State in more than 10 LGAs experiencing insecurity,” he said.

The governor added that his administration is working closely with the federal government and security agencies to restore peace and stability in the troubled communities.

He expressed optimism that ongoing security interventions would enable displaced residents to return safely to their homes and resume their normal lives.

Terrorists kill 15 in fresh attacks

Meanwhile, at least 15 farmers have been killed in three separate attacks by terrorists in Tashan-Maje, Runtuwa, and Saduro, all located in the Malale axis of Borgu Local Government Area (LGA), Niger State.

The attacks happened on Saturday. The affected communities lie along the fringes of Kainji National Park, an area long believed by residents to harbour armed groups.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attacks. The command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, told Daily Trust that the attackers looted shops and carted away food items after killing the victims.

“On 28th February 2026, around 9 p.m., armed men invaded Gada-Oli, Tashan-Maje via Lesigbe District, looted shops and carted away food items. About fifteen people lost their lives during the attack. Security teams moved to the scene, and monitoring continues,” he said.

The attacks came three weeks after terrorists reportedly conducted preaching sessions at Shafanti in Borgu LGA, urging residents to disregard Nigeria’s constituted authorities.

In three different audio recordings shared with Daily Trust by residents, the preachers, identified as members of the Mahmuda group, stated that their movement was ideological rather than political.

They warned that any community ignoring their preaching would face violent reprisals.

Sources told Daily Trust that the sermons occurred ten days before Ramadan, when terrorists cordoned off Shafanti, preached anti-government doctrines, and warned locals to comply with their orders or face death.

Many residents reportedly fled in fear.

In a 17-minute, 35-second audio, one preacher explained the rationale for attacks on Woro in Kwara State and Kasuwan Daji and Konkoso in Borgu LGA, where scores were killed and some informants executed.

“We get killed by guns, too. We have no anti-bullet charms. But we cannot retreat. Our fight is with soldiers, police, and vigilantes, not ordinary citizens,” he said.

He claimed responsibility for burning markets, destroying vehicles, and abducting women and children, citing instances in Woro, Babura, Kabe, and Kaiama.

He alleged that attacks occurred when communities refused to allow them to preach, adding that about 176 residents of Woro remain in their custody.

When contacted, Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barrister Maurice Magaji, confirmed that security agencies were investigating the authenticity of the audios.

Thousands of villagers displaced in Kebbi, Sokoto, Adamawa, Bauchi

Armed banditry has been a persistent driver of displacement across Kebbi, Sokoto, Adamawa, Bauchi, and other northern states, forcing thousands of villagers to seek refuge in safer towns, school compounds, and neighbouring states.

In Bauchi, residents of Gwana, Digare, Garin Mansur and Yalo villages in Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State fled their homes to neighbouring communities in Gombe State following persistent attacks by armed bandits.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed four separate attacks in the area within the last two weeks. The first occurred in Digare, where six persons were abducted, though two were later rescued.

In Garin Kwairi, a councillor and two women were kidnapped. Bandits also stormed Gwana, killing two soldiers and a vigilante member. Villagers, supported by security personnel, repelled the attack and reportedly killed seven bandits. In Kafin Duguri village, four residents were killed, while locals claimed more than 20 bandits died during the confrontation.

Displaced residents said repeated assaults forced them to abandon their homes and property. Many fled to Kumo, Gombe, Kashere and Alkaleri, while others sought refuge in safer parts of Plateau and Taraba states.

Speaking at Central Primary School, Kashere, where they are currently sheltering, the victims said bandits frequently attacked at night and sometimes in broad daylight, rustling cattle, looting property and abducting residents for ransom.

Families left behind farms, livestock and personal belongings, unsure of when they would return. Many escaped in haste, loading a few possessions onto vehicles and motorcycles amid fear and confusion.

Governor Bala Mohammed visited the displaced persons in Kashere and described the attackers as heavily armed and large in number, posing serious challenges to security forces.

Kebbi

In November 2025, armed bandits attacked Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Wasagu/Danko Local Government Area, killing at least one teacher and abducting 25 schoolgirls from their hostel.

Two of the girls later escaped or were safely recovered, and the remaining 24 were eventually released and reunited with their families after days in captivity.

The incident sparked fear and contributed to displacement as families fled nearby communities to avoid further threats and violence.

In February 2026, suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group carried out coordinated attacks across several communities in Arewa Local Government Area, killing at least 34 civilians and forcing many others to flee their homes for safety.

Villages including Mamunu, Awashaka, Masama, Gorin Dena, Kamzo, Dan Mai Rago, Tungar Bature and Tungar Tsoho were reportedly targeted, leaving residents displaced and living in fear of further incursions.

Also in February 2026, bandits sent a threatening letter demanding N100 million from residents of Utouno community in Ngaski LGA or face violent attack.

Although no attack was confirmed at the time, the threat alone is reported to have driven families to begin relocating to safer areas, heightening displacement concerns in rural communities.

Sokoto

Attacks by bandits have forced families in several eastern Sokoto communities to flee their homes. Women, children and the elderly make up a large portion of the displaced, many of whom now shelter with relatives or in camps.

In January 2026, residents of several rural communities in eastern Sokoto, especially the Tidibale axis in Isa Local Government Area, fled their homes following renewed threats from notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

At least 28 villages in the Tidibale area were deserted due to sustained bandit attacks, killings, kidnappings and forced levies by armed groups.

Many families abandoned their houses and farmlands, relocating to Isa town, Gidan Hamisu and neighbouring areas in Zamfara State for safety, with women, children and elderly among the displaced.

Adamawa

In February 2026, suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked Shuwari community in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing 17 people and burning homes and business premises.

The coordinated night assault sparked widespread fear, forcing many villagers to flee their homes and seek refuge in safer areas within the local council.

Residents said the community is gradually becoming uninhabitable due to persistent insurgent activities, as they can no longer safely access their farmlands.

They added that it has become nearly impossible for anyone to farm without risking severe consequences.

Also in early 2026, suspected terrorists launched an attack on Gare Village in Pallam District, Madagali LGA, abducting six members of the same family and rustling livestock.

In January 2026, a bomb blast in Mubang village in Hong Local Government Area injured six people and underscored the regular security threats faced by residents. (Daily trust)