Bandits Launch Coordinated Attack on Niger State Community, Abducting Five Residents
In a brazen early morning assault, armed bandits have struck Agwara town, the headquarters of Agwara Local Government Area in Niger State, leaving a trail of destruction and fear. The attackers, who arrived around 4:00 AM on Sunday, February 1, 2026, targeted multiple locations, including a police station and a church, resulting in the abduction of at least five individuals.
Violent Onslaught and Destruction of Property
The gunmen initiated their attack by engaging police officers at the Divisional Police Station in a fierce gun battle. Despite resistance from the tactical team on the ground, the bandits overpowered the security forces and used suspected dynamite to set the police station ablaze. This act of arson has severely compromised local law enforcement capabilities in the area.
Following the destruction of the police station, the assailants proceeded to the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the community. Witnesses report that part of the church was also set on fire, adding to the devastation. The bandits then moved to other parts of Agwara town, where they kidnapped no fewer than five people. The identities of the abducted individuals remain unknown at this time.
Community in Panic as Residents Flee for Safety
The attack has instilled widespread fear among the residents of Agwara town. Mallam Hussaini Mohammed, a local resident, confirmed to reporters via telephone that the violence has forced many community members to flee their homes in search of safety. The heightened sense of insecurity has disrupted daily life and left the town in a state of panic, with people uncertain about when it will be safe to return.
In response to the incident, security analyst Bakatsine has shared photographs of some of the victims abducted during the attack. These images have brought a human face to the tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention to secure the release of those taken and prevent future occurrences.
Official Confirmation and Ongoing Monitoring
The Niger State Police Command has officially confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun. He stated that the bandits invaded Agwara community at approximately 3:40 AM on February 1, 2026, and engaged the police in a confrontation before setting the station on fire. Fortunately, no lives were lost during the attack, according to the police report.
SP Abiodun emphasized that monitoring of the situation continues, and further developments will be communicated as they arise. The police are working to ascertain the identities of the abducted persons and coordinate efforts to rescue them. This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by banditry in Niger State and the broader region, calling for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
