Niger Bandit Attack: Over 100 Residents Abducted in Mariga Community

More than 100 residents have reportedly been abducted from Maburya community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, with security forces launching a joint operation to locate and rescue those still missing.

The attack occurred on September 13 when suspected bandits invaded the community and took an unspecified number of residents away, according to the Niger State Police Command.

Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said some of the victims, including elderly residents, pregnant women and nursing mothers, were later released by the attackers. Others, however, were taken into captivity.

Following the incident, tactical teams from the police and military were deployed to the area to search for the abducted residents and secure their release.

Reports about the number of people still being held remain unclear. A local source claimed that about 100 residents had subsequently been released, leaving three people in captivity.

The Niger State Police Command has not independently confirmed the claim about the release of the 100 residents. Authorities have said updates will be provided as the rescue operation progresses.

The incident has left families waiting for official information about relatives whose whereabouts remain uncertain. Security personnel are continuing efforts to establish the full number of victims and locate anyone still in captivity.