Police, military intensify hunt for over 100 Niger abductees - Punch Newspapers

The Niger State police command has disclosed that a tactical team of the military and police have been deployed to rescue over 100 abducted residents. The terrorists abducted the victims from Maburya community in Mariga Local Government Area of the state on Saturday. The terrorists were said to have stormed the community and started shooting sporadically before taking over 100 people away into the forest. A resident who did not disclose his name, however, said 100 of the Mariga LGA abducted residents were set free by the terrorists on Tuesday morning. The claim of their release was, however, not confirmed by the police. Speaking to The PUNCH, the state police command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the abduction, said he could not confirm the reported release of the 100 captives by the bandits. Suspected herders ambush Benue DPO, kill two policemen Four suspected cattle rustlers killed, 35 cows recovered in Kwara Anglican bishop urges action against hardship, insecurity “On 13/9/2026 at about 8 pm, a report received from Bangi Div indicated that suspected bandits invaded Maburya village via Bangi and abducted an unspecified number of victims, later releasing elderly and pregnant women, including nursing mothers, while others were taken away. “Police and military tactical teams have been deployed to the location, while rescue efforts are intensified. Further developments will be made available to the public,” he said. The PUNCH reports that the attack on Maburya community is the latest in a wave of mass abductions across the state. Over 500 people were reportedly abducted from Borgu in New Bussa Local Government Area in August, with captives still being held in the terrorists’ den. A security source, who pleaded anonymity as he was not permitted to speak on the issue, told our correspondent that the proximity of Mariga LGA to the expansive Kainji Lake National Park and other forest reserves in the state provides a seeming cover for terrorists, making it difficult for the security agencies to track and engage them. Chika Otuchikere

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.