Bandits have launched fresh attacks on two communities in Niger State, killing a local vigilante leader and kidnapping seven residents.
The attacks took place on Thursday, October 3, 2025, in Dukku and Shafini villages, located in Rijau and Magama local government areas of the state.
In Dukku village, witnesses said that at about 9:20 p.m., heavily armed bandits stormed the area and abducted one Alhaji Sodangi Mohammed along with six other people. The attackers fired sporadically before escaping with their victims to an unknown location.
Security agencies in the state confirmed the incident, adding that a search and rescue operation has already begun to locate the victims and bring them back safely.
Earlier that same day, at around 11:00 a.m., a separate incident occurred near Shafini village. A team of local vigilantes from Auna and Shafini, led by their chairman, 40-year-old Yusuf Hamidu, was on routine patrol when they encountered a group of armed bandits.
A gun battle followed, during which Hamidu was shot. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Nasko but was confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel.
Hamidu was known for his bravery and had played a key role in local efforts to secure rural areas from bandit attacks. His death has left the community in shock and mourning.
Niger State has been one of the hardest-hit states in Nigeria’s North-Central region facing frequent attacks by armed bandits. The criminals often raid rural communities, rustle cattle, kidnap for ransom, and destroy farmlands, worsening the region’s insecurity and food crisis.
Residents of Rijau and Magama LGAs are now calling on both state and federal governments to increase security presence in the area to protect lives and property.
Community leaders also appealed for better equipment and support for local vigilante groups, who are often the first line of defence in these remote villages.
