Security tensions have escalated in Niger State following a brazen twin assault by suspected terrorists, which included the burning of a police outpost and a deadly market attack that left dozens dead.
Police Border Post Engulfed in Flames
Suspected terrorists attacked and set fire to a Nigeria Police Border Patrol Team outpost at New Kalli village in Borgu Local Government Area. The assault occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 5, 2026. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the assailants engaged officers in a fierce gun battle before the security post was engulfed in flames.
Local sources, cited by Daily Trust, reported that the attackers arrived on motorcycles. They not only burned down the officers' accommodation but also destroyed farm produce belonging to residents and made off with personal items. The Disaster Officer of Borgu LGA, Musa Saidu, confirmed the incident, noting that security agencies had been notified and assessments were ongoing.
Fresh Attack Follows Market Massacre
This attack on the police facility came less than 48 hours after a far more deadly incident in the same region. Over 30 people were killed, many were kidnapped, and a market was set ablaze at Kasuwan Daji in Borgu LGA. The proximity and timing of the two attacks suggest a coordinated effort by the terrorist elements to destabilize the area.
In his official statement, Police Spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun detailed the outpost attack: "On January 4, 2026, at about 10:30pm, suspected bandits attacked the police border patrol nipping point located at Kale village, via Borgu LGA. The hoodlums were engaged in a fierce gun battle and were repelled by the police team. However, the security post was engulfed in fire during the exchange." He added that normalcy was later restored and reinforcement teams had been deployed to the area.
Context of Violence and Security Response
The incidents in Borgu LGA are part of a persistent pattern of violence plaguing Niger State and the wider North-Central region. The police statement highlights that the attackers were repelled, indicating some level of resistance from the security forces present.
This latest violence echoes past tragedies in the state. In a separate report referenced in the original news, a newly married man named Sani was shot dead by bandits at a weekly market in Madaka, Niger State, in March 2024. In that incident, the terrorists also forced Muslim women to break their Ramadan fast under threat of death.
In a related development from neighboring states, the Nigerian Army recently reported a successful air component strike. Operation FANSAN YAMMA resulted in the death of no fewer than 23 bandits who were fleeing from Kano State into Katsina State. This was confirmed by Major Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 3 Brigade.
The situation underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region, where terrorist groups frequently target soft civilian targets and security infrastructure. The reinforcement of police and military presence in Borgu LGA will be critical in preventing further attacks and restoring a sense of safety for the local population.
