Niger Gov Bago Calls Kasuwan Daji ‘Market of Thieves’ After 40+ Killed, Orders Relocation of Hamlets

Niger State Governor Umar Bago has described Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Borgu LGA—where over 40 people were killed and many, including women and children, kidnapped—as a “market of thieves”, notorious for trading stolen cattle.

During a condolence visit to Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, Bago highlighted broader security risks tied to unmonitored settlements and warned that armed groups and extremist ideologies had infiltrated some communities.

The governor announced a two-month deadline for residents in hamlets within the Kainji Lake forest to relocate to designated resettlement areas to flush out criminals. This follows a rise in violent incidents, including the January 2026 Kasuwan Daji attack and the November 2025 abduction of pupils and staff from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA.

Bago urged the Emirate Council and residents to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that public safety remains a top priority.

Tinubu’s Information Minister Suspends Aide Over Unauthorised 2027 Niger Election Write-Up
January 7, 2026 – Politics

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has suspended his aide, Sa’idu Enagi, for publishing an unauthorised political article discussing the 2027 Niger State governorship election. The write-up, titled “Malagi 2027”, circulated without the Minister’s approval, prompting the Ministry to clarify that it does not represent Malagi’s views.

In a statement, Malagi’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, urged the public to disregard the publication. He confirmed that Malagi had initiated an immediate investigation and disciplined the aide by issuing a suspension letter with immediate effect.

The Ministry emphasized that Malagi maintains a positive relationship with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, highlighting that speculation about the 2027 elections could undermine their collaborative efforts for the state. Malagi remains focused on his federal responsibilities at the Ministry of Information.

Prior to his ministerial appointment in August 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Malagi had contested the Niger State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but lost the primary to Umar Bago.

Minister Sympathises with Borgu Victims After Deadly New Year Terror Attack

In a heartfelt statement, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi expressed deep sorrow over a brutal terrorist attack on Kasuwan Daji rural communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed 42 lives just three days into the New Year.

The assault, which occurred on January 3, left scores injured, homes destroyed, and an unknown number of residents abducted, including women, children, and the elderly.

Dr Abdullahi described the violence as "senseless, deliberate, and murderous," highlighting the "depravity of the terrorists and bandits" who disrupted the peaceful livelihoods of the affected communities.

"My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones, just as I wish a quick recovery to the many who were injured during the rage of atrocities," the minister said in his statement released on Tuesday.

He extended support to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, acknowledging the "challenging times" and praising the governor's efforts to enhance security for residents, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Urging resilience among Borgu residents, the minister called for unity against the perpetrators.

"Let us grieve, because we have lost our loved ones and our possessions. But I call on the Borgu communities to invoke their age-old spirit of resilience, wipe away their tears, and firmly resolve to never allow the lawless terrorists and bandits dictate their rhythm of life," he stated.

Dr Abdullahi emphasised the indiscriminate nature of the violence, noting that the attackers target individuals regardless of religion or ethnicity whether Bussawa, Hausa, Kambari, or Fulani.

He encouraged communities to collaborate with security forces to eliminate the threats, asserting that Borgu must not become a "haven nor a theatre for their atrocities."

The minister reassured residents of President Tinubu's commitment to pursuing and prosecuting those responsible for the "heinous crimes." Security agencies have yet to provide further details on the ongoing investigation or rescue efforts for the abducted.

INSECURITY: FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO EXPRESSES SADNESS OVER TERRORIST ATTACK ON COMMUNITIES IN BORGU LGA.

Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago expresses sadness over the terrorist attack on communities in the Borgu local government area of the state.

The farmer governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, describes as cruel and nefarious the terrorist attack that led to the death of many people, the kidnapping of several others, and the destruction of livelihoods.

He extends his deepest sympathy to the people of the affected communities, especially the victims and their families.

The victims of the attack at the Kasuwan Daji, Market, Sukumbara Village, are both Muslims and Christians drawn from different communities in Borgu local government area of the state

The farmer governor, who notes that it is disturbing and worrying to start the year with such unfortunate incidents, however enjoined the people to remain resolute in God and that his administration is collaborating with the federal government and security agencies to improve the security of the affected areas.

He said a joint security team is trailing the terrorists with the view to rescuing the kidnapped victims.

The farmer governor prays that God will repose the souls of the departed, rescue the kidnapped victims, and grant healing to the injured as well as restore livelihoods that were destroyed.

Nigeria Dangerously Sliding Into One-Party State Under APC, Ex-Niger Governor Babangida Aliyu Warns PDP Leaders

Former Niger State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Former Governors’ Forum, Babangida Aliyu, has warned that Nigeria is systematically drifting toward a one-party state under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at an interactive meeting between the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the Former Ministers’ Forum, Aliyu expressed concern over shrinking political space, induced defections, and the alleged weaponisation of state institutions against opposition voices. He described these developments as a direct threat to democracy and citizens’ freedoms. Aliyu reaffirmed the support of former PDP governors for the party’s new leadership under National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), who in turn defended the PDP’s 16-year record in government, citing economic reforms, debt relief, institutional strengthening, and anti-corruption frameworks as evidence of competent governance. Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau also endorsed the NWC, urging it to sustain efforts at rebuilding and repositioning the opposition party.

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago Sacks All 30 Special Advisers, Moves to Reorganise Government Under ‘New Niger’ Agenda

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has dissolved the appointments of all 30 special advisers in his administration as part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at improving governance and efficiency. Announced during his first Executive Council meeting with newly sworn-in commissioners, the decision, according to the governor, is intended to rejig and reposition advisory roles in line with his New Niger agenda. While thanking the advisers for their service and contributions, Bago said the move formally ends their tenure as he prepares to reconstitute his advisory team for better performance.

Niger LG Chairman Accuses Governor Bago of Withholding Funds, Blocking Council Duties in Shiroro

Outgoing Shiroro Local Government chairman, Isyaku Akilu Kuta, has accused Niger State Governor Umar Bago of denying him access to funds, blocking his core responsibilities, and crippling service delivery throughout his tenure. Speaking at a farewell reception, Kuta said the governor’s control over council allocations prevented him from securing appointments, addressing insecurity, or executing development projects—leaving him unable to achieve even 30% of his goals. He alleged that Niger’s LGs received only N10 million monthly plus limited security votes, despite a 2024 Supreme Court ruling mandating full LG autonomy. Kuta condemned the hardships faced by unemployed graduates and retirees in Shiroro and criticized the state’s continued withholding of federal allocations as newly elected council chairmen prepare to assume office.

#NigerStatePolitics #LocalGovernmentAutonomy #GovernorBago

IPI Blames Repeated Press Freedom Violations for Blacklisting Governors Bago, Eno, IGP Egbetokun

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has blacklisted Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun over repeated attacks on press freedom and harassment of journalists. The decision, announced at the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, cited multiple incidents including the shutdown of an independent radio station, arrests and assault of journalists, and the expulsion of reporters. IPI said the officials’ actions undermine democratic norms and warranted their inclusion in its “Book of Infamy.”

IPI Blacklists Niger, Akwa Ibom Governors and IGP Egbetokun for Media Repression in Nigeria



The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has blacklisted Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as top offenders of media repression. Announced during the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, the blacklist cites persistent harassment of journalists, unlawful shutdowns of media houses, and breach of press freedom across both states. Rights groups have repeatedly condemned the governors and police chief for actions seen as attacks on independent journalism.



#PressFreedom

#MediaRepression

#IPINigeria

“We Won’t Pay Ransom or Negotiate with Bandits” — Niger Governor Bago Declares, Orders Statewide Mining Ban.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has vowed that his administration will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims, insisting that such actions only empower criminals and fuel insecurity across the state.

Bago made the declaration during a condolence visit to residents of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, where several communities were recently attacked by bandits in the Kontagora axis.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor said Niger State had reached a critical point that demands collective resistance from its people. He warned that ransom payments would only commercialise kidn+pping and make the cr+me more lucrative.

“I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” Bago said. “This is a war situation, and we must all rise to defend ourselves. The constitution empowers us to protect lives and property, and we will not back down.”

In addition, Governor Bago declared a total ban on mining activities across Niger State’s Zone C, which includes Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara LGAs. He linked illegal mining to the rising wave of insecurity, alleging that many miners operate freely in forest zones that are unsafe for residents.

“It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them,” he stated, directing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining activities.

Niger Governor Bago Orders Clerics To Submit Sermons For Approval, Introduces Preaching Licences

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has announced a controversial policy requiring clerics to submit their sermons for government approval before public delivery.

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago said the move was designed to curb inciting or “anti-people” messages, stressing that sermons deemed harmful to society or government would not be permitted.

He revealed that security agencies, including the DSS, police, NSCDC, and the military, would help enforce the directive.

“I didn’t ban evangelism. For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done,” Bago said.

The governor further disclosed that the state would introduce a licensing system for preachers. Clerics would be required to obtain official clearance before engaging in religious preaching.

Earlier, Umar Farooq, head of Niger State Religious Affairs, confirmed that all clerics must secure licences within two months. He explained that applicants would fill out forms and face a screening panel before being permitted to preach.

Terrorist Kingpin Abubakar Abba Arrested, Flown To Abuja.

Niger state Governor Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago has confirmed the arrest of a terrorist Kingpin Abubakar Abba.

Abubakar Abba until his arrest was the leader of the dreaded Mahmuda terrorist organisation which operated in the Borgu local government area of the state and part of Kwara state.

Governor Bago said the terrorist leader was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Security DSS in Wawa town.

A statement by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bago, on his facebook page said the terrorist was apprehended without a shot being fired.

“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS,” Bologi Ibrahim apparently quoting Governor Bago posted on the page.
.
Ibrahim continued that, “He ( Abba) was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.”

“This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news” he submitted

“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians.” Bologi said in the statement

The governor according to his spokesman, also commented on appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating: “Look at the appointments in the security services, especially the DSS. It takes a tremendous degree of intelligence and competence to without firing a single shot, capture a high-profile terrorist like Abba. Where there is a will, they say, there is a way. Mr. President has consistently shown that willpower. That’s why we are recording such successes”.

Bago promised that the Niger State government will continue to collaborate with the federal government and security agencies to ensure that terrorism is halted in the country.

SERAP Gives Niger Governor 48-Hour Ultimatum Over Badeggi FM Shutdown

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, demanding the reversal of his administration’s closure of Badeggi FM 90.1 in Minna.

Governor Bago had ordered the shutdown, licence revocation, and profiling of the station’s owner, accusing it of unethical broadcasting and incitement. SERAP described the move as unlawful and a threat to press freedom, urging the governor to reinstate the station’s licence and guarantee staff safety.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also condemned the action, calling it an abuse of power and insisting that only the National Broadcasting Commission has the authority to revoke broadcast licences.