Gunmen have reportedly attacked several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of Muslim worshippers shortly after Friday prayers.
The attacks occurred in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka communities, according to residents and the federal lawmaker representing the area, Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu.
Shetiman Borgu confirmed the incidents and said authorities were still working to determine the exact number of people abducted. He added that several worshippers were attacked with machetes, while others escaped with injuries.
According to the lawmaker, the attackers entered Dekara after Friday prayers, surrounded a mosque and took worshippers into a nearby forest. They later moved into neighbouring communities, where more people were abducted.
Youths and heads of households were reportedly among those taken.
The attacks have raised fresh concerns about insecurity in Borgu, an area bordering Kebbi and Kwara states as well as the Republic of Benin.
Shetiman Borgu said forests in the area had become hideouts for suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups. He also said there were reports of disagreements between members of the two groups after some opposed the attacks on mosques and the abduction of worshippers.
The lawmaker said authorities suspect that the attackers may have targeted young people for recruitment, although it remains unclear whether the perpetrators belonged to Lakurawa, Mamudawa or another armed group.
Recent reports have also linked suspected Lakurawa fighters to parts of Niger State. The group has reportedly been preaching against activities such as alcohol consumption, theft and adultery while urging residents to follow its interpretation of Sharia principles.
The latest attacks come amid growing security concerns in the state. More than 20 people were reportedly killed in parts of Borgu Local Government Area last week.
Borgu was also the site of a major mass abduction in November 2025, when gunmen reportedly kidnapped more than 200 pupils in Papiri. The children were eventually released after spending about a month in captivity.
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