Niger Bandit Attack: Residents Flee as Gunmen Burn Homes and Shops

Residents of Kokani and Kigbera communities in Niger State have fled their homes after gunmen reportedly killed people and set houses and shops ablaze.

The attack occurred in Borgu Local Government Area, where residents have faced previous violence. According to a report by THISDAY on October 12, 2026, the latest raid left residents fleeing for safety as gunmen attacked the communities.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of residents and the destruction of homes and businesses in the area.

What happened in Kokani and Kigbera?

Gunmen reportedly invaded the two communities, killing residents and setting houses and shops on fire.

The violence forced people to abandon their homes in search of safety. Some residents may also have lost their sources of livelihood as the attackers reportedly targeted business premises.

However, the full extent of the destruction remains unclear.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed that four local vigilantes sustained injuries during the attack. The police also reported that residents fled the affected communities.

Security personnel were deployed to the area following the incident.

Although the initial report described the attack as deadly, the police spokesperson did not confirm the reported death toll in the statement cited by THISDAY. The number of people killed therefore remains unverified by the police.

Borgu communities face another attack

The latest incident comes about two months after another major attack on communities in the area.

According to THISDAY, the earlier incident reportedly left at least 50 people dead, while at least 500 villagers were abducted.

The recurrence of attacks raises questions about the safety of people living in Borgu and the measures taken to protect them.

For residents who fled the latest violence, the immediate concern is survival. Many may now have to find temporary shelter while waiting for security conditions to improve.

Those whose homes and shops were destroyed also face the prospect of rebuilding their lives. The losses could affect families who depend on farming, trading and other local businesses for their daily needs.

The number of displaced residents and the extent of their losses have not been established in the available report.

Police deploy security personnel

The police said joint security teams had been deployed following the latest attack.

However, further details are needed to establish the extent of the security operation and whether residents can safely return to their communities.

The reported killings, destruction of property and flight of residents have also renewed concerns about the protection of rural communities facing repeated attacks.

Authorities are expected to clarify the casualty figures and provide further information about efforts to restore security.

For residents of Kokani and Kigbera, the immediate challenge is finding safety after the violence. Those who lost their homes or businesses may face a longer struggle to recover.

The full impact of the latest attack remains unclear as residents await more information about the casualties and the security situation.