Armed bandits in Niger State have kidnapped around 30 people, including a senior commissioner with the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), his driver, and a former chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), officials and local residents said Thursday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The attack happened late Wednesday on the Minna–Paiko road, a highway that has become a frequent target for kidnappers. Witnesses said the bandits blocked the road with motorcycles and forced travelers into the forest.

Among those seized was the NSIEC commissioner, whose name has not yet been released by authorities. His driver was also taken. A former NSUBEB chairman, who was traveling separately, was captured as well.

Local sources said the kidnappers shot into the air to scare travelers before seizing the victims. Some vehicles were abandoned on the road.

Police and security agencies have not yet confirmed the exact number of people taken. Residents, however, said about 30 passengers were missing after the ambush.

Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said in a statement that officers and soldiers were deployed to the scene shortly after the attack. He said search operations were ongoing in the forest but did not give details on casualties or rescue efforts.

Kidnappings for ransom have become common in Niger State and other parts of northwestern and central Nigeria. Bandits often target highways, schools, and villages, holding victims until families or governments pay money.

The abduction of high-profile figures, such as election and education officials, underscores the growing boldness of armed groups in the region. Security experts warn that the involvement of senior public officials could put more pressure on state and federal governments to act.

A community leader in Paiko, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said the situation has created fear among residents. “People are afraid to travel by road. Even officials are not safe anymore,” he said.

The attack comes just weeks after the Niger State government promised to strengthen security along major highways. Governor Umaru Bago had announced plans to work closely with federal forces to stop attacks by bandits and protect communities.

Despite such efforts, incidents continue. In recent months, dozens of villagers have been kidnapped in Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi local government areas. Some victims have been released after payments, while others remain in captivity.

Security analysts say banditry is fueled by poverty, unemployment, and weak policing in rural areas. Armed groups also benefit from illegal weapons flowing across porous borders.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly said it is working to end insecurity. President Bola Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, has pledged to reform the security sector and equip the military with better technology and weapons.

However, progress has been slow, and many citizens feel unsafe. Highways in Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina states are now seen as risky for travelers, leading some people to avoid road trips altogether.

Relatives of the kidnapped victims in Niger State said they were waiting anxiously for news. It was not immediately clear if the bandits had made ransom demands.

Kidnapping cases in the region often take weeks or months to resolve. Families are usually asked to pay large sums of money, sometimes in millions of naira. In some cases, communities also contribute to secure the release of victims.

Human rights groups have urged the government to do more to protect civilians and address the root causes of banditry. “The cycle of violence will continue if strong action is not taken,” said an Abuja-based analyst.

As security agencies search the forests of Niger State, families of the abducted continue to pray for their safe return. For many residents, the fear is not only about this latest incident, but also about what it means for the future of safety in the region.