By Ahmed Liman kingimi , Maiduguri
The Niger State Government has declared it is deploying all available resources to secure the release of worshippers abducted in a deadly attack on Dakare community in Borgu Local Government Area, as security forces intensify a coordinated rescue operation.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barr. Maurice Magaji, said the administration was treating the incident as a top priority.
“The Niger State Government is not leaving anything to chance to ensure the rescue of the Dakare kidnapped victims,” Magaji said. “No government can achieve any meaningful development without security.”
Gunmen stormed Dakare town during prayers last week, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers and killing the District Head of Gallah in Agwara LGA.
The exact number of victims remains unclear.
“The specific number of those kidnapped has not been ascertained, however security agencies are working with community members in order to verify the total number affected,” Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun said.
According to police, the Inspector General of Police has ordered the immediate mobilization and deployment of tactical teams, counter-terrorism units, the police air wing, and other specialized units to Borgu.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 7, is on ground to coordinate federal, state and local security assets.
“The rescue operation has already commenced,” SP Abiodun confirmed. “We are working in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the victims are rescued in the shortest possible time and unhurt.”
He added that the police tactical team in Agwara has recovered the corpse of the District Head of Gallah and that investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the killing.
Magaji said the state, in partnership with security agencies, has established a dedicated “security situation information room” to provide regular updates to the media and serve as a feedback mechanism.
“Addressing security challenges needs collaboration by all stakeholders,” the Commissioner said. “I call on the media to continue to synergize with government and security agencies in the fight against banditry. I also enjoin citizens to support government efforts by providing useful information on suspicious activities or movement around them.”
He described rescue operations as “delicate and technical,” requiring careful intelligence analysis to avoid casualties.
“The state government has been assisting with all necessary logistics towards ensuring that the victims are rescued within a short period of time,” SP Abiodun added.
Magaji reiterated the Bago administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Niger State, particularly in border communities like Borgu that have faced repeated attacks.
“We will not relent until every citizen can worship, farm, and go about their daily activities without fear,” he said.
The Dakare abduction is the latest in a series of attacks on rural communities in Niger State, where banditry and kidnapping have displaced thousands and disrupted farming and schooling.
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