The Niger State Police Command has debunked reports suggesting that Magistrate Benjamin Zakari was kidnapped during a gun attack on a commercial vehicle along Kontagora–Tegina Road.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 11, 2025, around 12:15 p.m., at Tudun-Fulani village. Armed men suspected to be bandits attempted to ambush a commercial vehicle with registration number MAK 238 XA travelling along the busy road.
SP Abiodun explained that the driver of the vehicle, sensing danger, quickly manoeuvred and sped off to avoid being stopped by the attackers. In response, the gunmen opened fire on the moving vehicle, injuring some of the passengers.
Among those injured was Magistrate Benjamin Zakari, a judicial officer with the Niger State Judiciary, along with another passenger identified as Samaila. The police clarified that no one was kidnapped during the incident.
“The Police operatives of ‘A’ Division Kontagora rushed to the scene and evacuated the victims to a nearby hospital for treatment,” SP Abiodun said. “None of the occupants in the vehicle was abducted.”
He added that police tactical teams, in collaboration with other security agencies, were immediately mobilised to the area in a bid to track down the attackers. However, the hoodlums managed to flee into the nearby forest before the arrival of security forces.
The Niger State Police Command has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security in the area and prevent similar attacks.
While the police have calmed fears of a kidnap involving a magistrate, the incident has once again highlighted the rising insecurity along highways in Niger State and across northern Nigeria.
Over the past few years, the Kontagora–Tegina axis has witnessed a number of violent incidents involving armed bandits, including kidnappings, armed robbery, and attacks on travelers.
Although security agencies have increased patrols in some areas, the attackers often strike remote or poorly policed routes, taking advantage of the difficult terrain and forest cover to escape after their operations.
Magistrate Zakari’s attack brings fresh concern over the safety of public servants, travellers, and residents, many of whom now live in fear when moving across rural and semi-urban areas.
SP Abiodun also used the opportunity to caution members of the public and the media against spreading unverified information, especially on sensitive matters like kidnapping.
“False information only causes panic and confusion,” he said. “We encourage the public to always confirm such reports from credible sources.”
The police have urged anyone with useful information that could assist in apprehending the suspects to come forward, promising that all details will be treated with confidentiality.
