Fresh Bandit Attack in Niger State Leaves Church in Flames, Residents Abducted
In a devastating early morning assault, suspected armed bandits have unleashed terror on Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving a trail of destruction and fear in their wake. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 1, 2026, represents another grim chapter in Nigeria's ongoing security challenges.
Details of the Coordinated Assault
According to police confirmation and eyewitness accounts, the attackers arrived around 4 am, engaging security forces in a fierce gun battle before setting the divisional police station ablaze. The bandits reportedly used suspected dynamite to ignite the police facility, demonstrating their increasing sophistication and firepower.
The violence did not stop there. The assailants proceeded to the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the community, where they set part of the religious building on fire. This deliberate targeting of a place of worship has sent shockwaves through the predominantly Christian community and raised concerns about religiously-motivated violence.
Human Toll and Community Impact
During their rampage, the bandits abducted at least five residents whose identities remain unknown. While police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun stated that no lives were lost in the attack, local sources reported heightened fear and panic among residents.
Hussaini Mohammed, a resident of Agwara town, revealed that the attack has forced many community members to flee their homes, creating a humanitarian crisis in the area. The psychological impact on the remaining residents cannot be overstated, as they grapple with the trauma of witnessing their community under siege.
Police Response and Ongoing Monitoring
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the incident and maintains that tactical teams engaged the attackers during the assault. Police Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun emphasized that monitoring continues in the area, with promises to communicate further developments as they unfold.
This attack follows a disturbing pattern of bandit activities in northern and central Nigeria, where criminal gangs frequently carry out mass kidnappings for ransom while looting villages and destroying property. The situation has created what security experts describe as a complex crisis affecting both Christian and Muslim communities across the region.
Broader Security Context
Sunday's raid represents the latest in a wave of kidnappings that have plagued Nigeria's security landscape. In November 2025, armed gangs seized more than 300 students and teachers from a Catholic school in Niger State, with only 50 managing to escape initially before the remaining hostages were released in batches weeks later.
The security situation has attracted international attention, with United States President Donald Trump focusing particularly on the killing of Christians in Nigeria. In late December 2025, the US launched strikes on what both American and Nigerian authorities described as armed groups in northwestern Sokoto State, with Nigeria confirming its approval of the military action.
Pattern of Targeted Attacks
This incident follows a similar pattern of church attacks that have drawn international concern. The Nigeria Police Force recently admitted that armed bandits kidnapped numerous Christians in simultaneous targeted attacks on several churches in Kaduna State. That attack occurred in Kurmin Wali community in the Kajuru area while church services were underway, demonstrating the brazen nature of these assaults on religious gatherings.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, and communal conflicts, incidents like the Agwara attack underscore the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and community protection measures. The targeting of both security installations and religious institutions represents a particularly troubling development that requires coordinated response from both state and federal authorities.
