At least 16 vigilantes have been killed in fresh attacks by armed bandits in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to reports, the attackers also kidnapped 42 residents in several raids that forced entire communities to flee for safety.
The assaults lasted from Sunday, November 9, to Thursday, November 13, 2025, and created fear across the area.
Residents said the violence started on Sunday when bandits stormed Dutsen Magaji village. They moved into the community and captured 22 people.
Vigilantes tried to stop them and chased them into the bush. They engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
Three vigilantes died during the fight. Five others sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in the hospital. The gunmen escaped with their captives.
However, the situation worsened on Thursday.
According to residents, the bandits returned at dawn and targeted Magama village during early morning prayers.
They surrounded the mosque quietly. They waited until the prayer started. Then, they moved in and kidnapped more than 20 worshippers.
Vigilantes again pursued them through the nearby forest.
Unknown to them, the attackers had already set up an ambush.
As soon as the vigilantes approached the spot, the bandits opened fire. Thirteen vigilantes died instantly.
Several others sustained bullet wounds and are now struggling for survival.
The Press Secretary to the Mashegu Local Government Chairman, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings in a statement.
He described the slain vigilantes as local heroes.
He said they died while defending their communities. He added that the council appreciates their sacrifice and courage, especially during a difficult time for the region.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the incidents and provide an update. Residents, however, said the damage had already pushed many communities into panic.
They revealed that several villages were deserted on Monday as people fled to safer areas.
Many escaped to Mashegu town, Kawo-Mashegu, Manigi and other distant settlements. Some families are now staying with relatives to avoid further attacks.
Communities now deserted include Dutsen Magaji, Borin-Aiki, Gidan Ruwa and Magama. Residents fear more attacks because bandits are still active in nearby forests.
Many villagers said they would not return home soon because the security situation remains fragile.
Meanwhile, another security concern continues to trouble the state.
The abductors of the former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, have not released him.
His family reportedly paid N70 million in ransom weeks ago. Yet, he remains in captivity.
Niworo was kidnapped on Monday, September 29, 2025, along with the Permanent Commissioner II of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission, Barrister Ahmad Mohammed, their drivers and other travellers on the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Borgu.
The residents of Mashegu say life has become uncertain. Many now fear that more villages may fall under attack if urgent action is not taken.
They want stronger security presence. They also want immediate support for displaced families who lost everything while running from the bandits.