30 killed, many kidnapped as bandit attack market in Niger

Suspected armed bandits operating from the Kainji Lake National Park have attacked a village market in Kabe District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, setting it ablaze, killing 30 villagers, and abducting scores.

The incident occurred on Saturday at Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, where the bandits reportedly accessed via Kabe.

The assailants reportedly not only burned the market but also looted food items and other wares, shot at villagers, and abducted many along paths leading to the expansive Kainji Lake National Park forest.

Wasiu Abiodun, the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the attack in a statement on Sunday, said a joint security team had visited the scene and that efforts were ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims.

“On 03/01/2026 at about 9 p.m., information received revealed that at about 4:30 p.m. of the same date, suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji, located at Demo village via Kabe, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items,” Abiodun, a Superintendent of Police, said.

“On 04/01/2026 at about 8 a.m., a report indicated that a joint security team visited the scene, and over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack.

“Some persons were also kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims. Further developments will be communicated.”