Borgu emirate under siege as terrorists overrun Niger communities, forests

Communities across Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State are facing a deepening security crisis.

News agency reports that coordinated attacks, killings, abductions, and arson continue to spread across the northern corridor of the state.

What was once dismissed as “banditry” is increasingly recognised as organised terrorism, with armed groups operating from forest corridors and the Kainji National Park, which borders Kwara State and the Republic of Benin.

From Papiri in Agwara LGA to Wawa and Babanna in Borgu Emirate, attackers strike farms, schools, markets, churches, and security formations before retreating into forest hideouts. Residents live in constant fear, unable to sleep with two eyes closed.

21 November 2025: Papiri School Kidnapping Draws National and International Attention

On 21 November 2025, suspected terrorists stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, abducting students and staff in the early hours. The attack drew national and international attention, highlighting the growing reach of terror groups.

Former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, warned: “What is happening in Papiri and Borgu requires a military base, not just police patrols.”

23 November 2025 and 4 January 2026: Governor Bago Visits

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago visited Borgu Emirate to sympathise with victims on 23 November 2025 following the Papiri school abduction) and again on 4 January 2026 after deadly attacks in Kasuwan Daji and surrounding areas, where 42 persons were killed.

He met mainly with Emir Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro IV, and community leaders, expressing deep sadness and extending condolences to affected families.

Residents, however, criticised the visits.

“He met the Emir and leaders but not the widows, the orphans, or the people whose houses were burnt, as other governors did in the country when faced with such a situation” a local leader said.

They were also angered by the directive of Bago asking people living near the Kainji National Park to relocate, within two months with no plans, houses, or support provided for them even as attacks continue unabated as well as further fueled by his comments that some residents are informants to the assailants in the emirate.

Residents further alleged that hours after Bago’s second visit (4 January 2026), attackers killed an 85-year-old woman when they attacked Kebe community, showing that relocation orders alone do not guarantee safety.

“After the visit, attacks increased. We have not seen any noticeable move by the army or police to change the situation, and attacks are increasing,” a resident, Musa Ado added.

During his visits, Governor Bago assured residents that his administration remained committed to addressing the security challenges, pledging to improve intelligence gathering and security deployment in the affected areas:

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our people. Security agencies will be strengthened, and necessary measures will be taken to crush terrorism in Borgu Emirate,” he stated.

January 2026: Wawa Killings

In January 2026, armed men attacked the Wawa community in Borgu LGA.

One youth was killed on his farm, and seven youths ultimately lost their lives, while others fled.

A youth leader of one of the local groups, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “The situation in Borgu Emirate is terrible. Most people sleep in one shirt and the next moment flee their homes in one dress when attacks start. We can no longer sleep with two eyes closed.

“Many are afraid to speak because if you talk, they will come for you. It is either they kill you or whisk you away for ransom.”

He added, “There are attacks isolated almost daily. You only hear when it is big. We are really living in fear. The killing of seven of our youths in the Wawa community recently is another painful experience for our people.”

1 February 2026: Agwara Church and Police Station Attacked

On 1 February 2026, assailants stormed Agwara town, burning the United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) and the local police station while abducting residents.

Security sources reported that the attackers struck in the early hours and retreated into forest corridors.

A tactical police team engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, but the attackers overpowered the officers and reportedly used dynamites to attack the police station.

Against this background, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman disclosed that additional reinforcements have been deployed to support the tactical team, complete with operational assets:

“We are not leaving the location. We are still maintaining the ground, as another temporary operational base is being established for the men. More effort is being intensified to ensure the visibility of the Police tactical team is sustained in the area,” CP Elleman said.

The update was confirmed by Niger State Police PRO, SP Wasiu Abiodun, when contacted by news agency.

After the attack, Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, stated, “The people of Borgu Emirate are suffering. Terrorists are taking over communities, churches are being attacked, and innocent lives are at risk.

“The federal and state authorities must urgently deploy security to protect lives and restore peace.”

Dr. Murtala Haliru Dantoro: Calls for Federal Action

Dr. Murtala Haliru Dantoro, son of the late Emir of Borgu, Senator Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the IGP, and the Conservator-General of National Parks to intervene urgently.

Invoking Tinubu’s traditional title, he said,” Jagaban Borgu is the title my late father gave President Tinubu. How can he carry such a big title and allow terrorists to take over his kingdom?

“Borgu is bleeding. Jagaban Borgu should rescue his friend’s people and the Jagaban title has added to his popularity and recognition and he knows it and he was my late father’s best friend.”

On Kainji National Park, he said, “It has no animals living there. It has outlived its usefulness and now harbours criminals. They use the forest bordering Kwara State and Benin Republic to launch attacks and retreat.”

Murtala also criticised the Conservator-General of National Park Service, Mohammed Kabir who hails from Borgu emirate for neglecting the park,and failing the people of Borgu in the face of security crisis.

According to him, “The government should not allow such a vast area to lie fallow. From Ibbi to Borgu and from Babanna to Lunma is a large expanse of unused land, and that is why criminals have taken over.”

He urged Governor Bago to convert the land to Niger Foods agriculture insisting, ” If Governor Bago turns that land for his agricultural initiative, he will print his name in gold. It will create jobs, bring investors and stabilise insecurity.”

Speaking on the security deployment, he further noted that: “There is an army base, but what happens is reactionary. We need proactive intelligence operations. NSA should coordinate inter-agency actions. Police, army and vigilantes must work together within the communities.”

On informants, the prince of Borgu kingdom maintained, ” Some give information to terrorists out of poverty and lack of fear of God.”

Historical Context: Aliyu and Bello Warnings

Former Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (2007–2015) stated that he dislodged suspected Boko Haram elements from Mokwa in 2010, preventing them from establishing a foothold in Niger State.

Recall in April 2021, former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello had confirmed that Boko Haram elements had hoisted their flag in Kaure village, Shiroro LGA of Niger State, and were attempting to establish territory there.

He warned that the insurgents’ presence so close to the nation’s capital meant that “if care is not taken, not even Abuja is safe.”

From Papiri to Wawa and Babanna-Federal Intervention Needed

From Papiri in Agwara to Wawa and Babanna in Borgu Emirate, communities are no longer facing isolated crime but organised terror rooted in forest hideouts.

Residents insist the solution must include: Federal takeover and clearing of Kainji National Park, permanent military deployment, Intelligence-driven operations and conversion of idle land to Niger Foods agriculture.

Only decisive federal action can reclaim these forests and restore peace before terror permanently reshapes the kingdom.