On Monday morning, October 1, 2025, the worsening security crisis in Niger State took a grim turn as suspected bandits ambushed and kidnapped a high-ranking official of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), along with seven others, including his driver and a former state official. The attack, which occurred along the Zugurma to New Bussa road near the National Park in Mashegu Local Government Area, has once again exposed the fragile state of security in Nigeria’s largest state by landmass, raising serious concerns about the safety of citizens and the government’s ability to curb the growing menace of banditry.
The abducted NSIEC Commissioner, Ahmed Mohammed, popularly known as Barrister Ahmed Lawyer, was returning from Borgu with his entourage when the assailants struck. Among the victims was Mohammed Bawa Niworu, a former Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), alongside the Commissioner’s driver and five other NSIEC workers. The group was traveling in three Sharon vehicles when heavily armed bandits blocked the road, forcing the vehicles to a halt just ahead of a police checkpoint. Witnesses reported that the attackers swiftly rounded up the passengers and whisked them away to an unknown location, leaving their vehicles abandoned by the roadside. Passersby later discovered the deserted vehicles, with the victims’ mobile phones still inside, a chilling testament to the speed and audacity of the operation.
A daily commuter who narrowly escaped the incident recounted the harrowing scene to reporters. “It happened so fast,” the commuter, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, said. “The bandits appeared out of nowhere, heavily armed, and blocked the road. They didn’t waste time—they took the passengers and vanished into the bush. We were all terrified, and there was nothing anyone could do.” The commuter’s account underscores the boldness of the attackers, who operated in broad daylight near a security checkpoint, highlighting the apparent ease with which criminal elements continue to operate in Niger State.
The Niger State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a press statement issued later that day. According to Abiodun, a police tactical team stationed nearby responded promptly, engaging the bandits in a firefight. The confrontation resulted in the hoodlums being repelled, but not without cost: one police patrol vehicle was damaged by gunshots, and a policeman sustained injuries during the exchange. The injured officer was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, where he is reportedly receiving treatment. While the police action may have disrupted the bandits’ plans, it was not enough to prevent the abduction of the eight victims, who remain in captivity as of the time of this report.
SP Abiodun further disclosed that the Niger State Police Command has mobilized additional tactical teams, working in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, to track down the kidnappers. The primary objectives, according to the police, are to secure the safe release of the abducted individuals and to apprehend the perpetrators. “We are doing everything within our power to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed,” Abiodun stated. “Our teams are combing the area, and we are following all available leads to bring the culprits to justice.” However, the police spokesperson did not provide specific details about the ongoing operation, citing the sensitivity of the situation.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Niger State in recent years, casting a shadow over the state’s economic and developmental aspirations. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s commitment to attracting foreign investment to harness Niger State’s vast agricultural and mineral resources. In recent months, the governor has embarked on international trips to woo investors, touting the state’s potential as a hub for agribusiness, mining, and tourism. However, the persistent wave of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity threatens to undermine these efforts, as investors are unlikely to commit resources to a region where safety cannot be guaranteed.
Niger State, often referred to as the “Power State” due to its significant contribution to Nigeria’s hydroelectric power generation, has been grappling with a surge in criminal activities, particularly in its rural and semi-urban areas. Banditry, which initially emerged in Nigeria’s northwest as a conflict between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers, has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise involving kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and attacks on communities. In Niger State, local government areas such as Mashegu, Rafi, Shiroro, and Mariga have become hotspots for these activities, with bandits exploiting the region’s vast forests and porous borders to carry out their operations.
The Zugurma to New Bussa road, where Monday’s abduction took place, is a critical route connecting several communities in Niger State. Its proximity to the Kainji National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest wildlife reserves, has made it a strategic location for bandits, who use the park’s dense vegetation as a hideout. The road’s significance as a commercial and administrative artery makes the attack particularly alarming, as it disrupts the movement of people and goods and instills fear among residents and travelers. The fact that the bandits struck near a police checkpoint further highlights the challenges faced by security forces in securing the state’s vast terrain, which spans over 76,000 square kilometers.
The abduction of a senior government official like Barrister Ahmed Lawyer, along with a former SUBEB chairman, signals an escalation in the audacity of criminal groups operating in Niger State. Unlike previous incidents that primarily targeted ordinary citizens or rural communities, this attack demonstrates that even high-profile individuals are not immune to the pervasive threat of banditry. The inclusion of NSIEC workers among the victims also raises concerns about the safety of electoral officials as Nigeria prepares for upcoming local government elections. The NSIEC is responsible for conducting elections at the local government level, and any disruption to its operations could have far-reaching implications for democratic processes in the state.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents of Niger State, many of whom are frustrated by the government’s inability to address the root causes of insecurity. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions from concerned citizens, with many calling for urgent action to tackle the crisis. One user, @NigerianPatriot, posted: “How can a whole Commissioner be kidnapped in broad daylight? What is the government doing to protect us? This is unacceptable!” Another user, @ConcernedCitizenNG, lamented: “Niger State is becoming a no-go area. Bandits are running the show while our leaders travel abroad to beg for investors. Fix security first!”
The public’s frustration is understandable, given the frequency and severity of attacks in the state. In recent months, Niger State has witnessed a series of high-profile kidnappings, including the abduction of schoolchildren, farmers, and traditional rulers. In February 2021, 27 students and staff of Government Science College, Kagara, were kidnapped by bandits, an incident that drew national and international attention. While some of the victims were eventually released, the incident underscored the vulnerability of educational institutions in the state. Similarly, in June 2021, over 100 villagers were abducted in an attack on Kuchi community in Munya Local Government Area, further highlighting the scale of the problem.
Analysts attribute the persistence of banditry in Niger State to a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and the proliferation of small arms. The state’s vast ungoverned spaces, coupled with its proximity to conflict-prone regions like Zamfara and Kaduna, provide fertile ground for criminal activities. Additionally, the lack of adequate security infrastructure, such as functional surveillance systems and well-equipped police outposts, has hampered efforts to curb the menace. The rugged terrain and limited road networks in many parts of the state also make it difficult for security forces to respond swiftly to distress calls.
The economic impact of insecurity in Niger State cannot be overstated. The state’s agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of its population, has been severely affected by banditry. Farmers are increasingly unable to access their farmlands due to the fear of attacks, leading to reduced agricultural output and rising food prices. The disruption of transportation routes, as evidenced by Monday’s attack, further exacerbates the situation by hindering the movement of goods to markets. This, in turn, affects the livelihoods of traders and other small-scale entrepreneurs who rely on these routes for their businesses.
Governor Bago’s administration has taken steps to address the security challenges, including the establishment of a state security outfit known as the Niger State Community Protection Corps. The corps, which was launched in 2024, is designed to complement the efforts of federal security agencies by providing localized intelligence and rapid response to security threats. However, the outfit is still in its early stages and has yet to make a significant impact. The state government has also invested in the procurement of security equipment, such as patrol vehicles and communication gadgets, for the police and other agencies. Despite these efforts, the frequency of attacks suggests that more comprehensive measures are needed to restore peace and stability.
Security experts have proposed several strategies to tackle the crisis, including increased collaboration between federal and state security agencies, the deployment of technology-driven solutions such as drones and satellite surveillance, and the implementation of community-based policing initiatives. There is also a growing call for addressing the socio-economic drivers of banditry, such as poverty and lack of education, through targeted development programs. For instance, providing alternative livelihoods for unemployed youths could reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by criminal groups.
The federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has also prioritized security as a key focus area. In 2024, the administration launched Operation Safe Haven, a military-led initiative aimed at combating banditry and insurgency in the northwest and north-central regions. While the operation has recorded some successes, including the neutralization of several bandit leaders, the continued occurrence of attacks like the one in Mashegu indicates that more needs to be done to achieve lasting results.
The abduction of Barrister Ahmed Lawyer and his colleagues has once again brought the issue of insecurity in Niger State to the forefront of national discourse. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated action at all levels of government to address the root causes of banditry and restore public confidence. For the residents of Niger State, the hope is that the ongoing efforts by security agencies will yield positive results, leading to the safe return of the abducted individuals and the apprehension of those responsible.
As the state government continues to pursue its economic agenda, it must recognize that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of fear and uncertainty. The safety of citizens, including public officials, is a prerequisite for progress. The people of Niger State deserve a future where they can travel, work, and live without the constant threat of violence. For now, the focus remains on the rescue of the abducted NSIEC officials and the broader challenge of securing the state from the grip of banditry.