Communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State have been thrown into mourning after a series of deadly bandit attacks left 16 vigilante members dead and at least 42 residents abducted. The assaults, which occurred between Sunday, November 9 and Thursday, November 13, 2025, have forced many villagers to flee their homes in search of safety.
Residents say the attackers first stormed Dutsen Magaji village on Sunday, launching an assault that began with the abduction of 22 people. Local vigilante members, who serve as the first line of defence in many rural communities due to limited security presence, immediately mobilised and pursued the bandits. A gun battle followed, leaving three vigilantes dead and five villagers hospitalised.
A community source who witnessed the attacks explained that the bandits arrived in large numbers, shooting sporadically and moving from house to house. “When they came on Sunday, the vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle,” he said. “In the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are currently in the hospital.”
Despite the tragedy, residents had hoped the attackers would not return. But at dawn on Thursday, November 13, the bandits struck again—this time invading Magama village during early morning prayers.
According to the source, the gunmen surrounded the local mosque while worshippers were praying. Before the villagers could understand what was happening, the attackers herded more than 20 people out of the mosque and into the nearby bush.
News of the fresh attack reached vigilante members, who again attempted to confront the armed group. However, unknown to them, the bandits had laid an ambush along their escape route. As the vigilantes approached, the attackers opened fire, killing 13 of them instantly and leaving several others with serious injuries.
The repeated raids and high number of casualties have caused widespread panic across Mashegu and neighbouring areas. Several communities have reportedly been abandoned as families pack their belongings and flee to safer towns. Many villagers say they fear the bandits could return at any moment.
Mashegu, like many rural parts of Niger State, has struggled with frequent bandit attacks over the past five years. These attacks often target farming communities, leading to deaths, kidnappings, and the destruction of property. The insecurity has disrupted farming activities in a state known as one of Nigeria’s major agricultural hubs.
In a statement confirming the latest killings, the Press Secretary to the Chairman of Mashegu Local Government Area, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, described the 16 slain vigilantes as heroes who paid the ultimate price while trying to defend their communities. He stressed that the local government fully recognised their efforts and bravery.
“We appreciate their bravery and selfless commitment to keeping the area safe,” Bokuta said. He added that the council would continue to work with security agencies to restore peace in the affected communities.
Vigilante groups play a crucial role in the security structure of many northern states, especially in remote areas with limited police presence. They often use locally sourced weapons and depend heavily on community support. But they are frequently outmatched by heavily armed bandit groups who operate with sophisticated weapons, motorcycles, and well-planned strategies.
Niger State has been one of the hardest-hit states in the North Central region, with banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling becoming almost a daily reality in some local government areas. Communities in Rafi, Shiroro, Munya, and Mashegu have suffered repeated attacks over the years, leading to displacement and a significant drop in farming output.
Residents, say they need urgent action, not promises. Many complain that bandits operate freely for hours before security agents arrive. They are calling on both the state and federal governments to increase security presence in rural areas and provide better support for local vigilantes who risk their lives to protect their communities.
As families continue to search for missing relatives and bury their dead, the people of Mashegu are appealing for immediate intervention. The latest attacks have once again highlighted the growing insecurity across Nigeria’s northern regions and the urgent need for stronger and more coordinated security responses.
