Security forces have been deployed to Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State following the reported abduction of hundreds of residents during coordinated attacks on several communities.
The deployment, involving the military, police, and Department of State Services, followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to secure the affected communities and rescue the victims.
The exact number of people abducted remains unclear. While police estimates put the figure at between 155 and 164, the attackers reportedly claimed in a video to be holding more than 500 people.
A community leader in Babanna, Idris Shiyaki, confirmed that troops had arrived in the area and were expanding their presence.
Security sources said the operation would focus on gathering intelligence and rescuing the victims safely, noting that such operations require careful planning.
Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun also confirmed that rescue efforts had begun, saying the priority was to ensure the safe recovery of the victims without putting them or security personnel at greater risk.
The attacks reportedly affected at least five communities in Borgu, leaving several people dead, others displaced, and homes destroyed.
Some survivors have fled to neighboring Babanna, while security personnel are assisting affected communities and supporting the evacuation of displaced residents.
Security sources believe some of the abducted residents may have been taken into the Kainji National Park, although authorities have yet to officially confirm their location.
The latest incident adds to a series of mass abductions reported in Niger State in recent months, raising fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in Borgu and other parts of the state.
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