Niger says abduction of worshippers unacceptable, strengthens security apparatus against recurrence

The Niger State Government at the weekend condemned the recent attack on Gidan-Zana and Kpenya communities in Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area, describing the abduction of worshippers during Friday prayers as an unacceptable assault on the peace and security of the state.

In a statement issued by Obed Nuhu Nana, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Niger State Government said preliminary reports from security agencies indicated that suspected terrorists invaded the communities on Friday, August 21, 2026.

According to him, the attackers stormed Kpenya Mosque during the Juma’at prayers and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers, while others reportedly escaped into surrounding areas.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State expressed deep concern over the incident and directed relevant authorities to work closely with security agencies to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted persons and restore normalcy to the affected communities.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents, stressing that the government would not relent in its efforts to prevent criminal elements from undermining the peace being enjoyed across the State.

But, in line with the directive, a joint security operation has been mobilised to the affected area to assess the situation, track the perpetrators and facilitate the rescue of those abducted.

The government, however, said details concerning the movement and deployment of security personnel would not be disclosed at this time, given the sensitive nature of the ongoing operation.

It added that the number of persons abducted and other details surrounding the incident were still being verified.

The State Government therefore urged the public, particularly residents of the affected communities, to refrain from circulating unverified reports, casualty figures or speculative accounts capable of heightening anxiety or compromising ongoing security operations.

Bago commended the courage and resilience of the people of Borgu and assured residents that their security and safety remained a foremost priority of his administration.

He said the Government is strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions, community leaders and security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms and community-based security coordination, particularly in vulnerable communities.

The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing operations. He also advised citizens to avoid unnecessary movement into areas identified as security-sensitive until the situation was brought under control.

The Government condemned, in the strongest terms, the targeting of innocent citizens and places of worship, reiterating that acts of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality would not be allowed to threaten the peace, unity and development of Niger State.

It assured residents that the Government remains firmly engaged with security agencies and would continue to provide the necessary support, within its constitutional responsibilities, to safeguard lives and property.

BusinessDay reports the Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident through a statement issued by Wasiu Abiodun, Police Public Relations Officer of the Command.