Bandits Abduct Over 80 in Niger and Zamfara Attacks

More than 80 people were abducted in separate attacks by suspected bandits in Niger and Zamfara states, underscoring the ongoing threat of armed criminal gangs to farming communities in northern Nigeria. The incidents occurred over the weekend, primarily targeting rural areas and farms.

In Niger State, the Police Command confirmed that over 20 individuals were abducted from Mukura village in Kasuwan-Garba District of Mariga Local Government Area at approximately 3:00 pm on September 27. Abiodun Wasiu, the command’s spokesperson, stated that joint security teams have initiated rescue operations to locate and secure the victims' release.

The police did not disclose the identities of the victims or any ransom demands from the abductors. This incident followed another mass abduction in the same area, where at least 47 farmers, predominantly women, were kidnapped while harvesting groundnuts on September 26.