A wave of fear swept through Agwara town in Niger State in the early hours of Sunday after armed bandits launched a coordinated attack that led to the destruction of a police station, partial burning of a church, and the abduction of at least five residents.
The attack occurred around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Agwara, the headquarters of Agwara Local Government Area. Residents said the gunmen arrived in large numbers and immediately engaged security operatives stationed in the town.
Police Station Set Ablaze After Gun Battle
According to security sources and local residents, the attackers first targeted the Divisional Police Station in Agwara. A prolonged gun battle reportedly ensued between the assailants and police officers on duty. Despite resistance from the tactical team deployed to the area, the bandits eventually overpowered the officers.
The attackers then set the police station on fire, using what authorities suspect to be an explosive device. The blaze completely razed parts of the facility, destroying equipment and operational assets.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the station was attacked in the early hours of the day.
“On 1/2/26 at about 3:40 a.m., armed bandits invaded Agwara community and attacked the Divisional Police Station,” Abiodun said in a statement. “They were engaged by the tactical team on ground but later used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze after overpowering the officers.”
He added that no police officer or civilian was killed during the attack.
Church Attacked, Worship Centre Partially Burnt
After setting the police station on fire, the attackers reportedly moved deeper into the community. One of their next targets was the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Agwara, where part of the building was set ablaze.
A resident, Mallam Hussaini Mohammed, who spoke by telephone, said the incident caused widespread panic across the town.
“They came around early morning. After burning the police station, they moved to the church and set part of it on fire,” he said. “People were confused and scared. Many families started leaving the town immediately.”
The extent of damage to the church could not be immediately confirmed, but residents said worship materials and parts of the structure were destroyed.
Residents Abducted, Community in Fear
In addition to the arson, the bandits abducted at least five residents from different parts of the town. Police authorities said the identities of the kidnapped victims had not yet been fully established as of Sunday morning.
SP Abiodun confirmed the abductions, noting that the attackers moved through several areas of Agwara after leaving the church.
“The terrorists later proceeded to other parts of the community and abducted about five persons whose identities are yet to be ascertained,” he said.
The incident has heightened anxiety in Agwara and surrounding communities, with many residents fleeing to nearby towns for safety. Shops remained closed, and movement was minimal as of Sunday afternoon.
Security Response and Ongoing Monitoring
Following the attack, security agencies launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Police said monitoring and security operations are ongoing, with reinforcement expected to be deployed to the area to prevent further attacks.
The Niger State Police Command assured residents that updates would be provided as investigations and operations continue.
“Monitoring continues. Further developments will be communicated,” the police spokesperson said.
Rising Insecurity in Niger State
The Agwara attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to banditry and armed criminal groups operating in parts of Niger State and the wider North-Central region. Several rural communities have faced repeated assaults involving arson, kidnappings, and attacks on security formations.
Residents and community leaders have repeatedly called on the federal and state governments to strengthen security presence, improve intelligence gathering, and protect vulnerable communities from armed groups.
As Agwara residents assess the damage and search for missing loved ones, uncertainty remains over when normalcy will return to the town, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing rural areas in Niger State.
Source: Africa Publicity
