From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Agwara, the headquarters of Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, was thrown into panic in the early hours of Sunday after rampaging bandits stormed the town, setting a police station and a branch of the United Methodist Church in Africa (UMCA) ablaze, abducting members of a family and killing an elderly woman.

The attackers, believed to be operating from the Kainji National Park axis, struck late Saturday and operated until daybreak on Sunday.

Residents said the bandits moved freely for hours before encountering resistance from local hunters and vigilantes around the Kabe community.

Eyewitnesses told DAILY ASSET that the gunmen invaded the residence of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the local government, Mallam Ahmed Burade, and abducted his wife—a nursing mother—and their four children.

Burade reportedly escaped during a gun duel between the attackers and vigilantes.

Sources said that after the confrontation, the bandits set the local UMCA church on fire before retreating toward the Sokonbate community near Kabe at about 6:00am. In Sokonbate, they allegedly ransacked homes, carting away foodstuffs and valuables, and killed an elderly woman.

The Niger State Police Command later confirmed the attack. In a terse statement on Sunday afternoon, the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said armed bandits invaded Agwara at about 3:40am, attacked the police station and engaged officers of a tactical team on duty.

“They overpowered the team and used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze,” Abiodun said. “The terrorists later moved to the UMC church in the community, burnt part of the church, proceeded to other areas and abducted about five persons whose identity is yet to be ascertained. Monitoring continues, further development will be communicated.”

The latest attack has revived painful memories of previous assaults on Agwara communities. On November 21, 2025, students and pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, were abducted, while in December, bandits attacked Kasuwan Daji in the same local government, killing 42 residents.

Residents called for an urgent security overhaul in the area, warning that repeated attacks have left communities vulnerable and traumatized.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Troops of Sector 2,  Joint Task Force codenamed Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), on Monday uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing factory in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, recovering at least six arms.

Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF OPWS, Lt.

Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed this significant fit in a statement he issued and made available to newsmen on Monday in Makurdi.

In the  statement, Zubairu explained that troops deployed to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Idadu during routine patrols uncovered a concealed location suspected to be used for the illegal manufacturing of locally fabricated weapons.

“Some persons fled the area upon seeing the troops approaching the site.

“However, one suspect, Baba Ogar, a 26-year-old from Arusu Village in Kokona Local Government Area who hid on top of a tree to evade arrest, was apprehended.

“A thorough search of the site led to the recovery of six locally fabricated pistols, assorted tools and instruments believed to be used in the production of illegal weapons, the sum of ₦40,500, and a mobile phone, which was found on the suspect.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the location served as an illegal arms manufacturing site supplying criminal elements with firearms within and beyond the area.

“The arrested suspect is currently in custody, while investigations have been intensified to track down and apprehend other fleeing accomplices connected to the criminal activity.

“The Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.- Gen. Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and sustained operational pressure, which culminated in the discovery of the illegal arms production facility”, Zubairu stated.

“Major General Gara charged the officers to continue maintain momentum and continuing to rely on intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks within the Joint Operations Area”, the statement concluded.

By David Torough, Abuja

Security concerns across Northern Nigeria took centre stage on Sunday as political leaders, civic groups and religious bodies raised alarm over escalating banditry and abductions, while urging coordinated action to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities.

In Kano State, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, visited security operatives deployed to Kano North Senatorial District following recent bandit attacks in Gwarzo, Shanono and Tsanyawa local government areas.

Addressing troops drawn from the Nigerian Army, Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Senator Barau urged them to sustain their offensive and “flush out” criminals threatening peace in the area and beyond.

The deployment, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, followed reports of bandits crossing into Kano from neighbouring states. Senator Barau, who arrived early on Sunday, inspected troops at Lakwaya ward in Gwarzo LGA, accompanied by the Garrison Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade, Lt. Col. I. Ekoh, and other senior officers. He later visited security camps in Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs.

Commending the operatives for their sacrifices, the Deputy Senate President said their presence had reassured affected communities. He thanked President Tinubu for what he described as swift and decisive intervention, noting that it followed consultations with top security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police. He also appealed to residents to support security agencies with timely intelligence.

During meetings with community leaders in Shanono LGA, residents welcomed the deployment and praised ongoing federal interventions. Senator Barau assured them of continued government support and announced plans to construct a dam in response to local requests.

Meanwhile, the Northern Reconciliation Group (NRG) expressed deep concern over rising attacks, kidnappings and banditry across the region, warning that the situation now constitutes a regional and national security emergency. In a statement issued in Kaduna, the group called for urgent, coordinated and intelligence-driven responses to dismantle criminal networks and secure the release of abducted persons.

The NRG stressed that insecurity should no longer be seen as isolated incidents and urged enhanced early warning systems, justice, accountability and community-driven approaches to rebuild trust between citizens and the state. It emphasised that human security must transcend ethnic, religious and political divisions.

In Kaduna State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru Local Government Area held a special prayer session for the release of 177 worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali community a week earlier. The victims were seized during Sunday services when armed men invaded the area, forcing congregants into nearby forests.

At the prayer session in Maraban Kajuru, CAN leaders combined calls for divine intervention with appeals for heightened vigilance. The Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Rev. Joseph Hayab, urged churches to strengthen internal security and situational awareness around worship centres, warning that unrestricted access exposes congregations to danger.

Local CAN chairman, Rev. Enoch Kaura, described the Kajuru security situation as long-standing and troubling, citing repeated attacks, killings of clergy and mass abductions over the years. While acknowledging relative calm under the current state administration, he said persistent insecurity continued to disrupt farming and daily life, and called for intensified security operations to secure the release of all abductees.

Together, the developments underscore growing pressure on authorities and communities alike to confront Northern Nigeria’s security challenges through decisive action, unity and sustained collaboration.