Six Killed, Police Station Burnt as Gunmen Launch Deadly Raid on Niger Communities

At least six people have been confirmed dead following a coordinated overnight attack by suspected bandits on communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The assault reportedly began late Friday in Tungan-Makeri, where heavily armed men invaded the village, shooting indiscriminately and torching several homes. Witnesses said the attackers, believed to be over 200 in number, operated for several hours, forcing residents to flee to nearby settlements for safety.

A resident of Zagatina village, situated along the route taken by the gunmen, recounted seeing dozens of motorcycles transporting the assailants.

“I counted about 41 motorcycles, each carrying two or three riders. Some even had women and children with them. When I realised they were heading in our direction, I quickly hid in the bush as they passed behind my house,” he said.

By the time the attackers left Tungan-Makeri, six people had reportedly been killed, multiple houses reduced to ashes, and several families displaced.

The gunmen were said to have proceeded to Konkoso in the early hours of Saturday, where they allegedly set a police station on fire, destroying property and escalating fear across the district.

Residents described the operation as bold and prolonged, lamenting the absence of visible security personnel during the invasion.

There were also reports that a Nigerian Air Force aircraft was seen hovering around Tungan-Makeri after the initial attack, with some locals suggesting that aerial surveillance may have prompted the attackers to retreat.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that the command received reports around 3:00 a.m. that suspected bandits had stormed Tungan-Makeri through the Shafachi district in Borgu LGA.

He confirmed that six people lost their lives, several houses were set ablaze, and an unspecified number of residents were abducted. The attackers were also reported to have advanced toward Konkoso, though further details were still being gathered.

According to him, joint security operatives have been deployed to the affected communities to assess the situation, while efforts are ongoing to rescue those abducted and restore calm.

The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Borgu LGA, with residents urging the state government and security agencies to reinforce security presence in vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.