Bandits have killed at least 16 vigilantes and kidnapped 42 residents of Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State in the latest attack in the state.
The attacks which were not earlier reported, took place between Sunday, November 9 and Thursday, November 13, 2025, leaving several communities deserted as people fled to other communities for their safety.
“The bandits first stormed Dutsen Magaji village on Sunday and abducted 22 people,” Daily Post quoted a source as saying.
“When they came on Sunday, the vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle; in the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are currently in the hospital.”
The source further explained that the attackers returned at dawn on Thursday, November 13, invading Magama village during early morning prayers, stressing that they surrounded the mosque while people were praying and abducted more than 20 people.
He stated that some vigilantes followed them, not knowing the bandits had laid an ambush, pointing out that the bandits opened fire and 13 vigilantes were killed, and several others were injured.
The Press Secretary to the chairman of Mashegu local government area, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings in a statemement.
He described the fallen vigilantes as heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of their communities.
Bokuta stated that the local government appreciated their bravery and selfless commitment to keeping the area safe.
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, when contacted, assured
