Crime

Niger State: Armed Bandits Kill 13, Including Policeman and Vigilantes, in Mariga LGA

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 10th, 2025.

Niger State: Armed Bandits Kill 13, Including Policeman and Vigilantes, in Mariga LGA

At least 13 people, including a police officer and two local vigilantes, were killed on Tuesday following a deadly raid by armed bandits on three communities in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The attacked villages—Kumbashi, Bangi, and Mongoro—were invaded around 4:00 p.m. by heavily armed assailants, believed to have entered the area from neighboring Zamfara State. Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived on approximately 100 motorcycles and were armed with high-powered weapons.

Residents said the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, leaving several others injured in addition to the confirmed fatalities. Some locals suspect the attack may have been a retaliation for recent Nigerian Air Force operations that reportedly inflicted significant losses on the criminals’ camps.

In addition to the loss of lives, the attackers reportedly destroyed a telecommunications mast, severing communication links in the affected communities.

The Chairman of Mariga LGA, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, confirmed the assault but said he could not provide a definitive death toll due to the continued presence of the armed men, which has heightened fear and instability in the area.

Efforts to reach the Niger State Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time this report was compiled.