Borgu Attacks: NSCIA Demands Security Overhaul as Bandits Kill Village Head, Abduct Worshippers

Fresh attacks across Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have intensified calls for a major overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy, following reports of mass abductions, killings and the murder of a traditional ruler.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) said the coordinated attacks on Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara on August 21 exposed serious gaps in the country’s security architecture. The council said civilians were killed and injured, while scores of others were taken hostage.

Particular concern followed the reported invasion of the Central Mosque in Dekara during Jumu’at prayers. The NSCIA said more than 60 worshippers were abducted, while about 30 others were reportedly killed and several injured. It described the incident as an attack on both innocent Nigerians and the freedom to worship without fear.

The council also urged the Federal Government to move beyond what it called an “episodic” approach to rescue operations. It called for permanent, intelligence-led security measures around Niger and Kwara states, adjoining border communities and forest corridors around Kainji Lake National Park, including aerial surveillance, stronger intelligence networks and improved early-warning systems.

The Northern Senators’ Forum separately condemned the attacks and demanded the immediate and safe release of the abducted worshippers. Its chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, said reports of landmines being planted in affected areas and further abductions for ransom were deeply troubling, urging the military, police, DSS and other agencies to intensify rescue operations.

Meanwhile, another deadly attack was reported in Galla, where suspected bandits allegedly killed the village head, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf, and four others at his palace. Residents said the retired military officer had previously warned bandits to stay away from the community and may have been targeted because of his opposition to their activities. An unconfirmed number of residents were also reportedly abducted.

Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Justin Magaji, confirmed the attack and said the government was stepping up efforts to prevent further violence. He also expressed optimism that security agencies would rescue the worshippers abducted from Dakera Jumu’at Mosque following President Bola Tinubu’s directive, while noting that the exact number of abductees remained unclear.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed Ahmed Yusuf’s killing and described the attack on the traditional ruler inside his palace as evidence of the bandits’ growing boldness. He called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible, while assuring the Galla community and the wider Borgu Emirate of government support.

The NSCIA said the recent violence should be treated as a national emergency and urged authorities to equip security personnel adequately while improving cooperation with communities and lawful vigilante groups. It also warned against viewing the insecurity purely through a religious lens, stressing that terrorism affects Nigerians across faiths and requires a collective national response.