Bandits Force Mass Exodus from Borgu as Hundreds Flee Niger State Communities into Benin Republic

Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

Hundreds of residents from Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have reportedly fled into neighbouring Benin Republic following renewed bandit attacks on their communities, according to a federal lawmaker representing the area. Engineer Abdurrahman Bala Gambo, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, confirmed the development in an interview with the Hausa Service of BBC Hausa, stating that armed assailants invaded Konkoso town, triggering widespread displacement. Gambo, who represents Borgu and surrounding communities in the National Assembly, said the attackers stormed the town, forcing residents to abandon their homes and seek safety across the international border. The exodus underscores growing insecurity in parts of Niger State and highlights the expanding cross-border dimensions of Nigeria’s banditry crisis. Escalating insecurity in Niger State Niger State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region and sharing an international boundary with the Republic of Benin, has in recent years experienced increasing incidents of armed banditry, kidnapping, and rural attacks. While bandit activity has been most prevalent in parts of the North-West, especially in states such as Zamfara State and Katsina State, security analysts note a steady geographical spread into the North-Central corridor. The reported attack on Konkoso is the latest in a series of violent incursions that have destabilized agrarian communities, disrupted local economies, and deepened humanitarian concerns. Cross-border displacement into Benin Republic signals mounting pressure on border communities and raises questions about regional security cooperation. Humanitarian and regional implications the movement of displaced persons into Benin Republic reflects both the intensity of the violence and the limited protective infrastructure in affected rural areas. Although official figures on the number of those displaced remain unconfirmed, Gambo described the situation as involving “hundreds” of fleeing residents.Cross-border displacement complicates response efforts, as affected individuals may fall outside Nigeria’s internal humanitarian frameworks. It also places diplomatic and logistical demands on both Nigeria and Benin Republic, particularly in managing border security, refugee protection, and coordinated security operations. Calls for urgent security intervention the lawmaker’s confirmation has intensified calls for enhanced federal security deployment in vulnerable communities across Niger State. Security experts argue that a comprehensive approach—combining intelligence-led operations, strengthened border patrols, and community-based early warning systems—is critical to curbing the spread of armed banditry.Nigeria’s security crisis has drawn sustained attention from both local and international media. Outlets including BBC News, Reuters, and Al Jazeera have repeatedly reported on the expanding scope of banditry and mass displacement across northern Nigeria, underscoring the regional and global significance of the issue. A Broader Security Test for West Africa the unfolding situation in Borgu reinforces broader concerns about porous borders and the risk of insecurity spilling across national lines in West Africa. With Niger State occupying a strategic geographic position between northern Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, sustained instability could have implications for trade routes, rural livelihoods, and cross-border relations.As of press time, security agencies have yet to issue a comprehensive public statement detailing operational responses to the latest attack. However, local authorities and community leaders continue to call for immediate intervention to restore calm and enable displaced residents to return safely to their homes. Sources: BBC Hausa; BBC News; Reuters; Al Jazeera.

About The Author

Afilawos Magana Sur

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Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

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