NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS ATTACK IN BORGU, DIRECTS STRENGTHENED SECURITY RESPONSE.

The Niger State Government has strongly condemned the reported attack on Gidan-Zana and Kpenya communities in Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area, describing the abduction of worshippers during Friday prayers as a grave and unacceptable assault on the peace and security of the state.

Preliminary reports received from the security agencies indicate that suspected terrorists invaded the communities on Friday, 21st August 2026, and attacked the Kpenya Mosque during the Juma’at prayers, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers, while others reportedly escaped into surrounding areas.

In a statement through the commissioner of Information Hon. Oned Nuhu Nana, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed deep concern over the incident and directed the relevant authorities to work closely with the security agencies to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted persons and restore normalcy to the affected communities.

The Governor has further reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to protecting the lives and property of Nigerlites, stressing that the Government will not relent in its efforts to deny criminal elements the opportunity to undermine the peace being enjoyed across the state.

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. Given the sensitive nature of the ongoing operation, details concerning the movement and deployment of security personnel will not be disclosed at this time.

The State Government acknowledges that the number of persons abducted and other details surrounding the incident are still being verified.

Government therefore urges the public, particularly residents of the affected communities, to refrain from circulating unverified reports, casualty figures or speculative accounts that could heighten anxiety or compromise ongoing security efforts.

Governor Bago commends the courage and resilience of the people of Borgu and assures residents that the security and safety of Nigerlites remain a foremost priority of his administration.

The Government is also 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 State Government appeals to residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide security agencies with credible information that may assist ongoing operations.

Citizens are equally advised to avoid unnecessary movement into areas identified as security-sensitive until the situation is brought under control.

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

The people of Niger State are assured that the Government remains firmly engaged with the security agencies and will continue to provide the necessary support within its constitutional responsibilities to safeguard lives and property.

Further verified information will be communicated to the public as the security situation develops.