Nigeria: 9 bodies recovered on Niger road after suspected bandit attack

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of nine bodies along the Wawa-Lumma road in Borgu Local Government Area, following a suspected attack by bandits.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Minna that the victims were travelers believed to have been killed while on the road.

According to Abiodun, the police received information on Tuesday about an incident on the Wawa-Lumma route. A joint team of police and military personnel was immediately dispatched to the area.

“Police and military tactical teams were mobilised to the scene; the bodies were recovered, while clearance operations were intensified to secure the area,” he said.

Abiodun added that clearance operations have been stepped up in Borgu LGA and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and to restore safety for commuters who use the road.

The Wawa-Lumma road links several communities in Borgu and has been flagged in the past as prone to bandit activity. Security agencies have increased patrols in the area in recent months, but travelers still report risks, especially in the evenings.

No arrests have been announced yet. Police said investigations are ongoing to identify the victims and track those responsible.

The command urged residents and road users to provide timely information to security agencies and to avoid traveling on isolated routes late at night.

Borgu LGA, which shares a border with Benin Republic, has experienced repeated security challenges linked to armed groups operating across the North-Central and North-West.