Tension gripped parts of Niger State on Tuesday after heavily armed bandits launched a daring attack on immigration personnel in Borgu Local Government Area, abducting one officer and fleeing with weapons.
The assailants, who reportedly rode in on motorcycles from the Republic of Benin axis, struck at Baliavillage around 10:30 a.m., targeting an immigration checkpoint along the Babana Market route.
Eyewitness accounts and security sources revealed that the bandits intercepted the officers on duty, overpowering them in a swift operation that left little room for resistance. In the process, the attackers disarmed the personnel and made away with two AK-47 rifles, each loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.
One of the officers, identified as Umar Yusuf, was whisked away by the gunmen, while his colleague, Unisa Shehu, narrowly escaped the attack but lost his weapon during the encounter.
The brazen assault has raised fresh concerns over the growing audacity of cross-border criminal elements operating in the region, particularly along the porous Nigeria–Benin Republic corridor.
In response, a combined team of security operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters has been mobilized to the affected area. Intensive search-and-rescue efforts are currently underway to secure the safe release of the abducted officer and recover the stolen firearms.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but security presence has reportedly been reinforced around key entry and exit points in the area to prevent further attacks.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, as the operation to track down the perpetrators continues.
The latest incident adds to a growing list of security challenges confronting border communities, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened surveillance and inter-agency coordination to curb the menace of banditry.
About The Author
