Armed bandits have attacked a mosque in Dekara community, Borgu Local Council of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers shortly after Friday prayers on August 21, 2026.

A resident of the community, who pleaded for anonymity, said the worshippers were abducted shortly after they concluded the prayers.

According to him, the armed men surrounded the mosque and marched the victims in a straight line into a nearby forest towards the Kainji Lake area, which is suspected to be a hideout for bandits.

Another resident, Hassan Ibrahim, who confirmed the attack, said he worshipped at another mosque nearby.

He said those abducted included residents of Gidan Zana, Masaka, Sabo Gida and other neighbouring communities who usually attend Friday prayers at the central mosque.

Ibrahim also revealed that the village head of Ka’ada, who was recently released from captivity, and the chief imam of the central mosque were among those abducted.

The Chairman of Borgu Local Council Abdullahi Nasir, could not be reached for comment.

However, the Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack occurred on August 21 at about 2:00 p.m.

He said preliminary information indicated that suspected terrorists invaded Gidan Zana, Kpenya village, through Dekara District in Borgu Local Council, and abducted an unspecified number of people at a mosque during prayers.

Abiodun said some worshippers managed to escape into the nearby forest.

He added that no life was lost in the attack, while a joint security team had been deployed to the area to assess the situation and commence rescue operations.