Niger attacks: NSCIA, senators seek rescue of abducted residents

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Northern Senators Forum have condemned the terrorist attack on communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, demanding the immediate and safe rescue of residents abducted during the assault.

The two groups also called for a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Niger State and the North-Central region to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities.

The NSCIA, in a statement on Wednesday by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, said the attacks occurred on August 21, 2026, in Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara communities, leaving scores of residents killed, injured or abducted.

The council expressed particular concern over the attack on Dekara, where terrorists reportedly invaded a central mosque while Muslims were observing Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 worshippers.

It added that about 30 people were killed, while several others sustained injuries, some of them life-threatening, with dozens still being held captive.

The NSCIA described the attack as a heinous assault on innocent Nigerians and the sanctity of worship.

“The NSCIA considers the deliberate invasion of a mosque during Jumu’at prayers and the abduction of worshippers a heinous assault not only on innocent Nigerians but also a grievous attack on the sanctity of worship and the fundamental right of citizens to practise their faith without fear,” it said.

The council also said the attack demonstrated that insecurity in parts of the country could not accurately be characterised as targeting Christians alone.

“This horrendous savagery against innocent Muslims observing the Jumu’ah prayer also points to the factual error that the insecurity in parts of the country is genocidal against Christians, which would hinder the much-needed collective efforts to tackle the scourge,” it said.

The NSCIA questioned the continued attacks on vulnerable communities despite previous security operations and called for a decisive response from the Federal Government.

It urged an immediate and comprehensive review of security arrangements across Niger, Kwara and adjoining border communities, particularly areas around the Kainji Lake National Park and forest corridors allegedly being used by terrorists as operational bases.

The council said the government must move beyond episodic rescue operations and establish a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-centred security architecture capable of preventing terrorists from returning to vulnerable communities.

It also urged security agencies to intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations, stressing that forests and difficult terrain used as terrorist sanctuaries must no longer be treated as inaccessible.

The NSCIA recalled that Nigerian security forces had, on August 5, rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

According to the council, the rescued victims included 163 persons abducted from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others abducted from communities in Borgu, including Kasuwan Daji, Konkonso and Pissa.

It said the operation demonstrated what the nation’s security forces could achieve when adequate resources, intelligence, coordination and political will were deployed.

However, the council said the latest attacks had raised concerns about the sustainability of the gains recorded.

It urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministries of Defence and Interior and all relevant security agencies to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.

Similarly, the Northern Senators Forum demanded the immediate and safe release of residents abducted during the attack.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman of the forum, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, condemned the attack on Kpenya Mosque and the villages of Gidan-Zana and Kpenya in the Dekara District of Borgu.

Yar’Adua said the forum was particularly concerned by reports that the attackers had planted landmines and abducted more residents to use as bargaining chips.

“This barbaric act has left us deeply shocked and saddened. I extend my heartfelt commiserations to the government and people of Niger State, and most especially to the families of those kidnapped and those reportedly killed in the assault,” he said.

The senator described the targeting of worshippers and rural communities as cowardly, urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations.

“Targeting innocent worshippers in a mosque and defenceless rural communities is not only cowardly but an attack on our shared humanity and faith.

“Reports of landmines being planted and further abductions to serve as bargaining chips are deeply troubling and unacceptable.

“We, therefore, call on the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and all relevant security agencies to intensify ongoing rescue operations and ensure the immediate and safe release of all those abducted,” he stated.

The forum also urged the Federal Government to provide urgent relief, medical support and enhanced security reinforcement to affected communities in Borgu and other border areas.

“Furthermore, I urge the Federal Government to provide urgent relief, medical support and enhanced security reinforcement to affected communities in Borgu LGA and across our border areas.

“There is also a pressing need for a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Niger State and the entire North-Central to prevent a recurrence,” Yar’Adua said.

The senators pledged solidarity with the people of Niger State, saying northern lawmakers would continue to work with the Federal and state governments to restore peace across the region.