A deadly Niger bandit attack has left scores dead and several communities in ruins after suspected armed bandits stormed villages in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing residents, abducting others, and setting houses — including a police outpost — on fire.
The coordinated assault has heightened fears over escalating insecurity in parts of the North-Central state.
Six Killed in Tunga-Makeri as Attack Spreads
According to local sources, the violence began in Tunga-Makeri village in Borgu LGA, where gunmen invaded the community in the early hours, killing six residents and burning multiple homes.
Security reports indicate that the attackers later advanced to other nearby villages, taking advantage of what residents described as minimal resistance.
Police Station, Homes Torched in Paso and Pisa
After the initial assault, the bandits reportedly moved to Paso and Pisa villages, setting more houses ablaze. Eyewitnesses said a police outpost was also destroyed during the attack.
A resident, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the violence as widespread and brutal.
“They moved to another village called Pisa to carry out another operation. Seven people were slaughtered in Konkoso. So far, 26 deaths have been recorded in the Konkoso bandit attack,” he said.
The scale of destruction has left many families displaced, with properties razed and livelihoods disrupted.
26 Confirmed Dead in Konkoso Bandit Attack
Community sources estimate that at least 26 people have been killed across the affected villages, particularly in Konkoso. Several others were reportedly abducted, though the exact number remains unclear.
The attack adds to growing concerns over banditry in Niger State, especially in rural communities with limited security presence.
Niger State Police Confirm Attack, Deploy Joint Security Team
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the raid but did not immediately address reports about the burning of the police station.
Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun stated that authorities received a distress report in the early hours of February 14, 2026.
He said:
“On 14/2/2026 at about 6 am, a report was received indicating that at about 3 am, suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village via Shafachi district, Borgu LGA. During the attack, six people lost their lives.
Some houses were also set ablaze, and a yet-to-be ascertained number of persons were abducted, as the terrorists were reported to have moved to Konkoso village. Other details are still sketchy.”
According to the police, a joint security team has been deployed to the affected communities to assess the damage, secure residents, and launch rescue operations for abducted victims.
Ongoing Security Operations in Borgu LGA
Security agencies say clearance and recovery operations are ongoing across Borgu LGA. Residents have called for reinforced military presence and improved intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.
The latest incident underscores the persistent threat of armed banditry in parts of Niger State, as authorities work to restore calm and rebuild affected communities.
