Deadly Bandit Raids Hit Niger State: 16 Vigilantes Killed, 42 Residents Abducted in Mashegu
Deadly attacks have once again unsettled communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving at least 16 vigilante members dead and 42 residents abducted in a series of coordinated assaults that spanned five days.
Local accounts obtained by PulseNets indicated that the attacks occurred between Sunday, 9 November, and Thursday, 13 November 2025, forcing terrified residents to flee in large numbers to neighbouring settlements.
One community insider told PulseNets that the armed group first descended on Dutsen Magaji on Sunday, abducting 22 villagers.
“When they struck on Sunday, our vigilantes chased them into the bush and exchanged gunfire with them. Unfortunately, three of our men were killed, and five others are in the hospital receiving treatment,” the source explained.
PulseNets learnt that the attackers returned at dawn on Thursday, 13 November, this time targeting Magama village during early morning prayers. Witnesses said the gunmen quietly surrounded the mosque as worshippers knelt in prayer before whisking away more than 20 people.
According to another source who spoke to PulseNets, vigilantes mobilised to repel the invasion but were caught off guard.
“Our men didn’t know the bandits had set an ambush. As the vigilantes moved forward, the gunmen opened fire and killed 13 of them instantly. Many others escaped with injuries,” he said.
In an official statement, the Press Secretary to the Chairman of Mashegu LGA, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the casualties, describing the slain vigilantes as courageous defenders who paid the ultimate price for the safety of their people.
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Bokuta noted that the council deeply appreciated the bravery and selflessness displayed by the fallen men and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security in the area.
When contacted for clarification, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, told PulseNets he would verify the details of the incidents and provide an update.
