Fear has tightened its grip on communities across Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State, as coordinated attacks, killings, kidnappings and arson continue to escalate along the state’s northern corridor.
What residents once dismissed as banditry is now widely described as organised terrorism, with armed groups operating from dense 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 have targeted farms, schools, markets, churches and security formations, striking swiftly before retreating into forest hideouts. Many residents say they can no longer sleep peacefully.
“We live in fear. Nobody sleeps with two eyes closed anymore,” a resident said.
Papiri School Kidnapping Sparks Global Attention
On 21 November 2025, suspected terrorists stormed St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, abducting students and staff in a pre-dawn attack that drew national and international attention.
Former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, warned that the situation required urgent military action.
“What is happening in Papiri and Borgu requires a military base, not just police patrols,” he said.
Bago’s Visits Draw Mixed Reactions
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago visited Borgu Emirate on 23 November 2025 and again on 4 January 2026, following deadly attacks in Kasuwan Daji and nearby communities that left 42 people dead.
He met with the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro IV, and community leaders, offering condolences and pledging stronger security deployment.
However, residents criticised the visits, accusing the governor of failing to meet victims directly.
“He met the Emir and leaders but not the widows or those whose homes were burnt,” a local leader said.
Anger also followed Bago’s directive for communities near Kainji National Park to relocate within two months, without clear resettlement plans or support.
Residents further alleged that hours after the governor’s second visit, attackers killed an 85-year-old woman in Kebe community, underscoring fears that relocation alone offers no protection.
January 2026: Wawa Killings
In January 2026, armed men attacked Wawa community, killing a youth on his farm and later murdering seven young men, forcing others to flee.
A youth leader said fear now defines daily life.
“If you talk, they kill you or abduct you for ransom. Attacks happen almost daily,” he said.
Agwara Church and Police Station Burnt
On 1 February 2026, assailants attacked Agwara town, setting ablaze the United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) and the police station, while abducting residents.
Police said a tactical team engaged the attackers but was overpowered. The terrorists reportedly used explosives on the station before retreating into the forest.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, confirmed additional reinforcements and the establishment of a temporary operational base.
“We are maintaining the ground and intensifying efforts to secure the area,” he said.
Calls for Federal Intervention Grow Louder
Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, described the situation as dire.
“Terrorists are taking over communities. Churches are under attack. Authorities must act urgently,” he said.
Adding his voice, Dr Murtala Haliru Dantoro, son of the late Emir of Borgu, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NSA, Defence Minister, IGP and National Parks authorities to intervene.
Invoking Tinubu’s traditional title, he said:
“Jagaban Borgu cannot allow terrorists to overrun his kingdom.”
He described Kainji National Park as a sanctuary for criminals and urged its clearance, suggesting the land be converted into Niger Foods agricultural projects to create jobs and reduce insecurity.
A Crisis Years in the Making
Former governors Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and Abubakar Sani Bello had previously warned of Boko Haram infiltration in Niger State, including reports of insurgents hoisting flags in parts of Shiroro LGA.
Today, residents say those warnings have become reality in Borgu and Agwara.
“Federal Action Is the Only Way”
From Papiri to Wawa and Babanna, communities insist the crisis can no longer be treated as isolated crime.
They are calling for:
Federal takeover and clearing of Kainji National Park.
Permanent military deployment.
Intelligence-driven security operations.
Conversion of idle land to agriculture.
Without decisive action, residents fear terrorism could permanently reshape the historic Borgu kingdom.
