Three Killed, Massive Cattle Rustling in Latest Niger Attacks

Armed bandits unleashed a fresh wave of violence on Tuesday in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, killing three villagers and rustling more than one thousand cows.

The attack, which began around 11:00 a.m., swept through Ibeto, Salka, and Koso communities, forcing residents to flee for their lives. Witnesses said the marauders, heavily armed and riding motorcycles, operated in broad daylight without resistance from security operatives.

By the time the violence spread across the affected villages, terrified families had scattered into nearby bushes, while those unable to escape barricaded themselves indoors. According to locals, the bandits vowed to extend their operation to Kura community later in the evening, raising fears of further bloodshed.

Communities Under Siege

Residents described the situation as one of helplessness and despair, with many accusing authorities of failing to respond swiftly despite repeated distress calls. The bandits reportedly killed three villagers who attempted to resist the theft of their cattle. The victims, mostly herders, were overpowered by the gang before hundreds of animals were driven away in the chaos.

“The bandits are currently moving towards Magaman Daji community, apparently to cross into Zamfara State after their operation,” a resident told Channels Television by phone. He added that the invaders operated with confidence, knowing that the nearest military base is located in Kontagora, several kilometres away.

Eyewitnesses appealed to both the state and federal governments to deploy security reinforcements immediately to prevent further destruction. Many villagers who escaped into the bush said they feared returning to their homes, worried that the armed men could stage another round of attacks overnight.

The fresh assault came barely a day after gunmen abducted Ahmed Mohammed, popularly known as Barrister Ahmed Lawyer, a Commissioner with the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission. He was seized alongside his driver, former SUBEB Chairman Mohammed Bawa Niworu, and dozens of motorists along a busy highway.

Rising Insecurity Across Niger

The twin incidents highlight the worsening insecurity in Niger State, which has become a hotspot for banditry, cattle rustling, and mass abductions in recent years. Despite ongoing military operations in the North-West, rural communities in Niger continue to bear the brunt of violence, often left without protection as heavily armed groups move with ease between states.

Security analysts note that Magama Local Government sits on a critical route linking Niger and Zamfara, making it a target for bandit groups seeking to move stolen livestock across state borders. The latest operation, involving the theft of more than a thousand cows, is seen as one of the largest single rustling incidents reported this year.

Repeated appeals from residents to the Niger State government have done little to change the situation on the ground. Many rural dwellers complain that they have been left to their fate, relying on vigilantes armed with basic weapons to repel groups wielding sophisticated firearms.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, did not respond to calls. As at press time, the operation by the bandits was said to still be ongoing, with reports suggesting that the gang was retreating towards Zamfara forests.

For residents of Ibeto, Salka, Koso and neighbouring communities, Tuesday’s raid adds to a growing list of tragedies that have turned daily life into a struggle for survival. While government authorities continue to assure citizens of improved security, villagers say those assurances feel increasingly hollow.

Until decisive action is taken to check the movement of armed groups across Niger’s borders, many fear that attacks like this will remain a recurring nightmare.

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