Bandits Burn Police Station, Raid Church, Kidnap Residents in Agwara, Niger State

Terror struck Agwara town, the headquarters of Agwara Local Government Area in Niger State, in the early hours of Sunday, February 1, 2026, as armed bandits launched a coordinated attack that left the community in fear and mourning. The assailants reportedly set the Divisional Police Station ablaze, raided a church, and abducted at least five residents, authorities and eyewitnesses said.

Attack on Police Station

Sources revealed that the attackers arrived in the town around 4 a.m., engaging police officers stationed at the Divisional Police Headquarters in a fierce gun battle. Eyewitnesses said the bandits, heavily armed and determined, eventually overpowered the security personnel and used explosives, believed to be dynamite, to set the police station on fire. Flames reportedly gutted parts of the facility, destroying offices and crucial records.

The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, stating that while the attackers caused extensive property damage, no lives were lost during the initial confrontation. He said, “On 1/2/26 at about 3.40am, armed bandits invaded Agwara community, attacked the Police station where they were engaged by the tactical team on ground, used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze, having overpowered the team.”

Church Raid and Abductions

After attacking the police station, the assailants reportedly proceeded to the United Methodist Church (UMC) within the town. According to local sources, part of the church was set on fire during the raid, intensifying the sense of fear and insecurity in the community.

Residents reported that in addition to property destruction, the attackers abducted at least five people, whose identities are yet to be confirmed. Mallam Hussaini Mohammed, a resident of Agwara, told reporters that the attack had forced many families to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighbouring towns or isolated areas within the community. “People are terrified. Many have packed their belongings and left the town after what happened,” he said.

SP Abiodun added that the bandits moved to other areas of the community after targeting the church, stating, “The terrorists later moved to UMC church in the community, burnt part of the church, proceeded to other areas and abducted about five persons whose identity is yet to be ascertained. Monitoring continues, further development will be communicated, please.”

Heightened Insecurity and Community Response

The attack in Agwara comes amid a broader surge of banditry and violent crimes in parts of Niger State and the North Central region. Security analysts have highlighted that such incidents are often well-coordinated, with attackers targeting both government facilities and religious institutions to instill fear and disrupt communal life.

The impact on Agwara residents has been immediate and profound. Families have fled homes, schools remain closed, and daily economic activities have been disrupted. Religious leaders in the area have condemned the attack, calling on government authorities to enhance security and ensure the safe return of those abducted.

Government and Security Measures

The Niger State Police Command has pledged ongoing monitoring of the situation, with tactical teams deployed to track the bandits and secure the town. While no casualties were reported at the police station, the abductions have prompted urgent investigations, with authorities appealing to anyone with information about the abducted individuals to come forward.

Local security analysts warn that without swift and coordinated responses, such attacks could escalate, threatening both public safety and the stability of local communities.

Residents of Agwara continue to live under heightened tension, hoping that security forces can restore calm, bring the attackers to justice, and ensure the safe release of those kidnapped.

Akahi News www.akahinews.org