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Suspected armed bandits carried out a violent attack on Agwara community in Niger State, Nigeria in the early hours of Sunday, burning a police station and part of a local church, authorities confirmed. The coordinated assault also included the abduction of several residents, raising fresh concerns over escalating insecurity in the region.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the incident occurred around 3:40 a.m., when the attackers stormed the Agwara Police Station. “The police tactical team on duty engaged the attackers, but they were overpowered, and the assailants reportedly used dynamite to set the station on fire,” Abiodun said in a statement released in Minna.
Following the assault on the police station, the bandits reportedly moved to the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Agwara, setting fire to a portion of the building. “The attackers subsequently proceeded to other areas of the community, abducting about five persons,” Abiodun added. He noted that the identities of the kidnapped individuals were yet to be confirmed, and efforts are ongoing to ascertain their whereabouts and secure their release.
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The attack reflects a growing pattern of violent banditry in Niger State and across the North-Central region of Nigeria, where communities have increasingly become targets of armed criminal gangs. Incidents targeting law enforcement facilities, religious institutions, and residential areas have sparked widespread fear, disrupting daily life and prompting heightened security measures.
Police and other security agencies have intensified patrols and intelligence-driven operations to curb such attacks. However, analysts warn that persistent attacks on police stations and churches suggest that bandit groups remain heavily armed and well-coordinated, making community protection an ongoing challenge.
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Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident and are actively working to rescue the abducted residents. Abiodun assured that all available resources, including tactical units and intelligence teams, are being deployed to track down the attackers and prevent further violence in the area.
“The Niger State Police Command is committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state,” Abiodun said. He also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to the police, stressing that community cooperation remains vital for effective policing.
Local leaders in Agwara have condemned the attack, calling for swift action to apprehend the perpetrators and strengthen security in vulnerable communities. Civil society organizations have also urged the state government to enhance collaboration with federal security agencies and deploy additional resources to the affected areas.
The incident comes amid a broader security challenge in Nigeria, where armed banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on public institutions have surged in several states. Analysts note that coordinated responses, community vigilance, and intelligence sharing between security agencies are crucial in addressing these threats and restoring a sense of safety among residents.
