Fresh Wave Of Abductions Hits Niger And FCT As Security Concerns Deepen Nationwide

A new string of violent attacks has thrown parts of Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory into panic, coming exactly seven days after over 300 students were taken from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri. This time, bandits invaded Palaita in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government, abducting 24 people including a pregnant woman from a rice farm and mutilating a blind man whose hand was cut off. Police, however, said 10 people were kidnapped.

The violence spread to the FCT where armed men stormed Gidan-Bijimi in Kawu Ward, Bwari Area Council, during a night raid and seized six girls and a 16-year-old boy after firing repeatedly into the air. The attack came one week after gunmen shot a police officer dead in Guto, another boundary community in Bwari.

Amid these incidents, the Kaduna Anglican Diocese announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi who was kidnapped with his family on October 28. His passing forced the cancellation of the planned ‘Stand Up for Jesus 2025’ event and deepened anxiety among church members still hoping for the release of his wife and daughter.

In Palaita, residents were harvesting their crops when the attackers struck at about 2pm on Wednesday. Despite the community being only five kilometres from a military base in Erena, the bandits fled before security personnel arrived. Witnesses said the attackers drove straight to the farm, shot sporadically, rounded up the workers and escaped on motorcycles. No contact has been made with the abductors.

In nearby Kakuru community, the gang brutalised a blind man after snatching a mobile phone from him. When he explained that the device did not belong to him, the bandits severed his right hand and fled. Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that 10 people were abducted in the area and said efforts to rescue them are ongoing.

In the FCT, residents of Kawu said the girls abducted from Gidan-Bijimi were between 17 and 23 years old. Local vigilantes attempted to confront the armed group but withdrew due to inferior firepower. As of Thursday morning, there had been no contact from the kidnappers.

The attack has intensified calls for stronger security across communities bordering Kaduna and Niger States which have become entry points for criminal groups moving toward the capital. Following an emergency meeting of the FCT Security Council, Minister Nyesom Wike reactivated Operation Sweep across four major sectors of the territory with support from multiple security agencies.

Amid the rising tension, the Diocese of Kaduna expressed deep sorrow over the death of Venerable Achi, describing him as a devoted servant whose ministry touched many lives. The church continues to call for prayers for his wife and daughter who remain in captivity.

Responding to the nationwide alarm, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said the military is closing in on bandit groups despite recent school abductions. He explained that guerrilla-style attacks are meant to instill fear but insisted that troops are working round the clock to dismantle criminal networks. He confirmed an investigation into claims that security personnel were withdrawn shortly before the abduction of students in Maga, Kebbi State.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also announced the redeployment of 11,566 officers withdrawn from VIP duties to underserved communities as part of a broader policing reform.

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan, however, urged the government to equip existing officers rather than recruit 20,000 new policemen, warning that Nigeria cannot afford delays in tackling insecurity. He called for unity among citizens to confront a common threat and stressed that proper equipment and political will are vital for restoring safety.

Former Senator Shehu Sani and speakers at the International Conference on Love and Tolerance in Abuja echoed concerns about rising tension and shrinking civic space, urging Nigerians to embrace dialogue, understanding and collective action.