Bandits Overrun Agwara Town in Niger State; Police Station and Church Razed

Armed bandits launched a violent assault on Agwara town in Niger State during the early hours of Sunday, 1st February 2026. The assailants stormed the community in large numbers and overwhelmed local defenses with superior firepower. During the siege, the gunmen set fire to the divisional police station and a prominent church building. Residents report that the attackers operated with a frightening level of impunity for several hours. This latest incursion has displaced hundreds of families into neighboring bushes for safety. Local authorities have confirmed the incident but remain silent on the exact number of casualties recorded.

The coordinated strike began while most inhabitants were asleep or preparing for early morning worship services. Assailants reportedly arrived on motorcycles and began shooting sporadically to create widespread panic and confusion. Furthermore, they targeted critical infrastructure to incapacitate any immediate response from the internal security forces. The destruction of the police station has left the town without an official security presence. Consequently, the local population now lives in absolute fear of a follow-up attack by the gang. In a related development, the state government has dispatched a team to assess the damage.

Military reinforcements eventually arrived at the scene after the bandits had retreated into the vast forests. Conversely, the delay in response has fueled significant anger among the grieving members of the community. They argue that security agencies received prior intelligence regarding suspicious movements in the surrounding bushes. Furthermore, the burning of a religious center suggests a deliberate attempt to incite sectarian tensions. The Niger State Police Command has vowed to track down the perpetrators of this heinous act. They have urged the public to provide useful information that could lead to successful arrests.

Niger State has faced a surge in banditry and kidnapping activities over the last few months. This particular attack on Agwara highlights the persistent vulnerability of rural communities across the North-Central region. Furthermore, the loss of a police facility complicates the already fragile security architecture in the area. Analysts suggest that these groups seek to establish territorial control by destroying symbols of state authority. The state governor, Mohammed Umar Bago has called for an emergency security meeting with traditional rulers and stakeholders. He insists that the government will not surrender to the whims of criminal elements.

The humanitarian crisis in Agwara is currently deepening as displaced persons lack basic food and medicine. Furthermore, the psychological trauma of the attack will likely linger among the survivors for many years. The international community continues to watch the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria with increasing concern. Effective strategies must now go beyond mere condemnations and temporary military deployments in affected zones. Long-term stability requires a robust intelligence network and the permanent presence of law enforcement officers. For now, the people of Agwara wait for justice while they pick up the pieces.