Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has disclosed that more than 300,000 persons have been displaced across 10 local government areas (LGAs) of the state due to persistent insecurity.
Niger remains one of the frontline states severely affected by banditry, with armed groups frequently attacking vulnerable communities, killing and abducting residents, including schoolchildren.
These attacks have disrupted livelihoods, forced mass displacement, and deepened insecurity across rural areas.
As a result, many families now live in a state of constant fear. Farmlands have been abandoned due to the threat of violence, while parents remain anxious about sending their children to school.
The sustained attacks have not only affected agricultural production but have also compounded humanitarian challenges in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Minna after receiving humanitarian support from the federal government, Governor Bago explained that efforts to compile accurate data on the number of displaced persons are ongoing, given the continued assaults in the affected LGAs.
“For now, we can only provide an estimate. On average, we have over 300,000 people displaced across Niger State in more than 10 LGAs experiencing insecurity,” he said.
The governor added that his administration is working closely with the federal government and security agencies to restore peace and stability in the troubled communities.
He expressed optimism that ongoing security interventions would enable displaced residents to return safely to their homes and resume their normal lives.
Terrorists kill 15 in fresh attacks
Meanwhile, at least 15 farmers have been killed in three separate attacks by terrorists in Tashan-Maje, Runtuwa, and Saduro, all located in the Malale axis of Borgu Local Government Area (LGA), Niger State.
The attacks happened on Saturday. The affected communities lie along the fringes of Kainji National Park, an area long believed by residents to harbour armed groups.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attacks. The command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, told Daily Trust that the attackers looted shops and carted away food items after killing the victims.
“On 28th February 2026, around 9 p.m., armed men invaded Gada-Oli, Tashan-Maje via Lesigbe District, looted shops and carted away food items. About fifteen people lost their lives during the attack. Security teams moved to the scene, and monitoring continues,” he said.
The attacks came three weeks after terrorists reportedly conducted preaching sessions at Shafanti in Borgu LGA, urging residents to disregard Nigeria’s constituted authorities.
In three different audio recordings shared with Daily Trust by residents, the preachers, identified as members of the Mahmuda group, stated that their movement was ideological rather than political.
They warned that any community ignoring their preaching would face violent reprisals.
Sources told Daily Trust that the sermons occurred ten days before Ramadan, when terrorists cordoned off Shafanti, preached anti-government doctrines, and warned locals to comply with their orders or face death.
Many residents reportedly fled in fear.
In a 17-minute, 35-second audio, one preacher explained the rationale for attacks on Woro in Kwara State and Kasuwan Daji and Konkoso in Borgu LGA, where scores were killed and some informants executed.
“We get killed by guns, too. We have no anti-bullet charms. But we cannot retreat. Our fight is with soldiers, police, and vigilantes, not ordinary citizens,” he said.
He claimed responsibility for burning markets, destroying vehicles, and abducting women and children, citing instances in Woro, Babura, Kabe, and Kaiama.
He alleged that attacks occurred when communities refused to allow them to preach, adding that about 176 residents of Woro remain in their custody.
When contacted, Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barrister Maurice Magaji, confirmed that security agencies were investigating the authenticity of the audios.
