NSCIA decries attacks in Niger, says insecurity forcing Nigerians to Benin Republic

As Nigerians continue to protest recent mass adoption of Worshippers by terrorists who invaded Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara, communities, in Niger State, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), on Wednesday, decried the attacks, demanding urgent action to rescue the captives, adding that Nigerians are now being forced to relocate en-mass to neighbouring Benin Republic

Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Council, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, in a statement, condemned the heinous and barbaric terrorist attacks which took place simultaneously on Friday, August 21, 2026.

The attacker had targeted four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where over 30 innocent civilians were killed, while scores were either injured or abducted, including worshippers observing the sacred Jumu’at prayers.

The Council said it is deeply disturbed and traumatised that terrorists invaded Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara, unleashing violence and terror on defenceless communities.

The NSCIA noted that the attack on Dekara was particularly horrifying as local officials and residents said the terrorists entered the Central Mosque while Muslims were observing their Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 people.

Reports further indicate that about 30 persons were killed, while many others sustained injuries, some of them reportedly life-threatening, with dozens of victims still in captivity.

The NSCIA considers the deliberate invasion of a mosque during Jumu’at prayers and the abduction of worshippers a heinous assault not only on innocent Nigerians but also a grievous attack on the sanctity of worship and the fundamental right of citizens to practise their faith without fear.

“This horrendous savagery against innocent Muslims observing the Jumu’ah prayer also points to the factual error that the insecurity in parts of the country is genocidal against Christians, which would hinder the much needed collective efforts to tackle the scourge.

“The Council asks: For how long will innocent Muslims in particular and Nigerians in general continue to be abducted and slaughtered in their communities while terrorists operate with such audacity? How many more Muslims and communities must be attacked before decisive action is taken? How many more families must lose their loved ones before the nation resolved and act that enough is enough?

“The repeated attacks on Dekara and neighbouring communities are especially disturbing. The latest incident was reported to be the third major attack in recent memory on the communities.

“Previous raids were said to have forced entire populations to abandon their ancestral homes and seek refuge in host communities in other parts of Niger and Kwara States and even across Nigeria’s border in the Republic of Benin”, the statement read.

The NSCIA is equally alarmed that the latest attack occurred barely three weeks after the nation celebrated one of the largest hostage-rescue operations in recent years.

It recalled that on August 5, 2026, Nigerian security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

“The rescued victims included 163 persons abducted from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 persons from communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, including Kasuwan Daji, Konkonso and Pissa.

“That rescue operation was rightly celebrated as a demonstration of what Nigeria’s security forces can accomplish when adequate resources, intelligence, coordination and political will are brought to bear. But the renewed attacks raise deeply troubling questions about the reversal and sustainability of the gains made.

“Therefore, the NSCIA urges the Federal Government to move beyond episodic rescue operations and develop a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-centred security architecture capable of preventing terrorists from repeatedly returning to vulnerable communities.

“We demand an immediate and comprehensive review of security arrangements across Niger, Kwara and adjoining border communities, particularly those around the Kainji Lake National Park and the extensive forest corridors that terrorists have exploited as operational and hostage-holding bases.

“We call for the immediate mobilisation of all available resources to locate and rescue every person still held captive following the August 21 attack. The rescue of these victims must be treated as an urgent national priority.”

It also urged security agencies to intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations.

“The forests and other difficult terrains being used as sanctuaries by terrorists must no longer be treated as inaccessible spaces.

“We urge the Federal Government to ensure that security personnel deployed to these vulnerable areas are adequately equipped, properly motivated and supported with tactical, operational and logistical resources required to protect civilian populations.

The Council also appealed to state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies. Local residents must be protected when providing actionable intelligence, while community vigilante structures operating within the law should be properly regulated and integrated into broader early-warning and community-protection mechanisms.

“Futhermore, the NSCIA calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior and all relevant security agencies to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.

“The NSCIA extends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed and prays for the speedy recovery of all those injured. We also stand in solidarity with the families whose loved ones remain in captivity and urge them not to lose hope.

“Nigerians have every right to demand security, justice and accountability from those entrusted with protecting them. The Council also enjoins the Muslim Ummah in Niger State and the entire country to remain steadfast in their faith. Let us be resolute and not be subdued by terror.”