Fresh Attacks in Niger, FCT as Bandits Kidnap Pregnant Woman, 30 Others

Bandits have carried out yet another series of coordinated attacks in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), abducting dozens of residents just one week after over 300 students were taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

In the latest incident, armed groups attacked Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area, where 24 people — including a pregnant woman — were kidnapped from a rice farm, according to community sources. The police, however, reported 10 people abducted in their official statement.

Residents said the attackers stormed the farm around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, forcing workers to leave with them before security personnel could intervene, despite the community being just a few kilometres from a military base.

Earlier the same day, another group of armed men targeted Kakuru community in the same ward, assaulting a resident with a disability and stealing a mobile phone from him before fleeing.

A community member, who requested anonymity, said:

“It seems the bandits had a mission. They arrived suddenly, started shooting, and rounded up the farmers before taking them away.”

Fresh Abduction in Abuja

In a separate incident in the FCT, bandits invaded Gidan-Bijimi in Kawu ward, Bwari Area Council, around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, abducting six girls aged 17 to 23 and a 16-year-old boy.

A resident, Suleiman Shuaibu, confirmed the attack, saying:

“They abducted six young girls. Unfortunately, my cousin-sister is among the victims.”

Local vigilantes attempted to respond but were forced to retreat due to the attackers’ superior weapons.

The attack follows a similar raid last week in nearby Guto community, where a police officer was killed and several others kidnapped.

Anglican Priest in Kaduna Confirmed Dead

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, announced the passing of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was kidnapped with his family on October 28. The Diocese described his death as a painful loss and cancelled the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Church said:

“His faithful service, humble spirit, and devotion to God leave a lasting legacy.”

His wife and daughter remain in captivity.

FG, Security Agencies React

Despite rising attacks, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said security forces are close to defeating bandit groups.

Speaking to BBC Hausa, he said:

“This is how guerrilla warfare works… We know their locations, but these are areas where direct strikes could harm civilians.”

He acknowledged concerns about the resurgence of school kidnappings and confirmed an investigation into claims that security personnel were withdrawn shortly before the attack on a girls’ school in Maga, Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy 11,566 Officers

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that over 11,500 officers withdrawn from VIP escorts have now been reassigned to vulnerable and underserved communities nationwide.

He said the move is part of reforms to improve community safety and strengthen policing across rural areas.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Proper Equipping of Security Forces

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan urged the Federal Government to prioritize equipping existing officers rather than recruiting new ones.

He said:

“Arm them well, treat them well, and they will do their job… We should be able to deal with these threats.”

FCT Security Council Activates ‘Operation Sweep’

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, said the security council has reinforced Operation Sweep, a multi-agency team covering major sectors of the capital to respond more effectively to emerging threats.

However, the night attack on Gidan-Bijimi has renewed fears among residents in communities bordering Kaduna and Niger states.

Locals now say they live in persistent fear and are pleading for swift rescue operations for the abducted victims.

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