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.

Two Months After Niger Tanker Explosion, Victims Say Promised Relief From Governor Bago Never Arrived

Two months after the deadly tanker explosion in Essan community, Niger State, which claimed 39 lives and injured over 60, many victims report that Governor Umar Bago’s promised financial and medical support has not been delivered. Families were promised ₦1 million for each deceased victim, ₦500,000 for each injured victim, and full medical coverage, but survivors say they have been forced to leave hospitals due to unpaid bills. Residents also claim that local authorities have failed to provide additional support or condolences, while attempts to reach the state government for comment have gone unanswered.

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

PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES THE RETURN OF 100 CATHOLIC STUDENTS, CHARGES SECURITY AGENCIES ON SAFE RETURN OF OTHERS

President Bola Tinubu has commended the security agencies for their tireless efforts in securing the freedom of the 100 students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.

While expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage.

President Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families.

"I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.

"My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.

"From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma," President Tinubu said.

PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES THE RETURN OF 100 CATHOLIC STUDENTS, CHARGES SECURITY AGENCIES ON SAFE RETURN OF OTHERS

President Bola Tinubu has commended the security agencies for their tireless efforts in securing the freedom of the 100 students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga indicates that
while expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage.

President Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families.

"I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.

"My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.

"From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma," President Tinubu said.

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

Christian forum faults Niger’s preaching law.

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has faulted the new religious preaching law introduced by the Niger State government, describing it as “ill-advised, discriminatory and oppressive.”

The law, as stipulated by the state government, requires religious preachers in the state to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them publicly.

The government, through the state’s Religious Affairs Department, had introduced licensing for preachers and asked clerics to fill forms, undergo a screening panel, and obtain certification within two months.

Defending the policy in a recent appearance on TVC’s Politics, Governor Umar Bago insisted the policy does not constitute a ban on evangelism.

The governor argued the measure is needed to prevent preaching that might be “anti-people, anti-government” or which could incite unrest.

He said the initiative would be enforced in collaboration with state security agencies, including the Department of State Services, the Police, the Civil Defence, and the military.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, signed by its convener, Paul Adama, the forum stated that the policy constitutes religious censorship and violates constitutional provisions on freedom of thought and religion.

Niger Governor Bago Insists Preachers Must Submit Sermons for Approval.

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has defended his administration’s regulation mandating preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them.

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, he said the move was to prevent messages that could incite unrest or undermine government authority.

“I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done. We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal,” Bago said.

On whether the move was linked to indoctrination, he added:
“It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the DSS, the Police, NSCDC and the military.”

Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, confirmed preachers must obtain a licence within two months.
“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months,” he said.

Reactions have been divided. Chief Imam of FUT Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, said:
“My opinion is that preaching is a command… the government cannot dictate who to preach to and who not to preach. But… if there are people who are going out of their way to cause security threats, using abusive words and so on, then government can have control.”

Niger CAN secretary, Raphael Opawoye, said the body had not been officially informed:
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is not aware of the ban. We shall come up with a statement when we are officially informed.”

But Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja strongly opposed the policy.
“The ban on preaching is an infringement of freedom of worship and religion. The best thing for the government to do is to invite and penalise any preacher who incites the public in the cause of his preaching,” he said.

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.

Pupils Forced To Learn On Bare Floors, Under Trees At Niger State School – Report

Civic accountability group MonITng has raised alarm over the dire state of Nuhu Lafarma Primary School in Agaie LGA, Niger State, where pupils reportedly sit on bare floors, under leaking roofs, and even beneath trees to learn.

The organisation accused the government of neglect, despite Niger State claiming to allocate 70% of its 2025 budget to education and UBEC disbursing ₦121 billion nationwide.

MonITng criticised misplaced priorities, citing the state’s recent spending of ₦3.02 billion to sponsor 357 pilgrims for Hajj instead of renovating schools.

“This is not just about numbers, it is about children’s futures being wasted,” the group said, calling on Governor Umar Bago to act urgently.

#EducationCrisis #NigerState #ChildrenDeserveBetter

Nigeria NewsBREAKING: Nigeria Is A Democracy, Not A Private Estate – ADC Fires Gov.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the recent authoritarian actions by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State.

Naija News recalls that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State had ordered the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna, the state capital.

This was communicated in statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, who disclosed that Bago gave the directive during the expanded Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting held at the Government House.

He stated that the Governor directed the State Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD) to shut down the media outfit.

In a statement to Naija News, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said that this development reveals a disturbing pattern of executive overreach, disdain for constitutional rights, and a steady erosion of democratic norms under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stated that Governor Umar Bago’s decision to shut down Badeggi FM “with immediate effect” is nothing short of a brazen assault on press freedom and a clear violation of the rule of law in a manner reminiscent of military dictatorship.

The full statement reads: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is greatly concerned about the growing dictatorial tendencies among the state governors of the ruling party, APC.

“We recall the recent public statement made by the APC Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, declaring the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and a leading member of the coalition movement persona non-grata in Edo State.

“Now this: Another APC Governor of Niger State, Muhammed Umaru Bago, has just announced a clamp down on a private radio station in the state, with “immediate effect” in a manner reminiscent of the worst form of military dictatorship.

Tinubu arrives Brazil for BRICS Summit.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Global South and Emerging Economic Bloc.

The block includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, also called the BRICS.

The President’s flight touched down at the Galeao Air Force Base tarmac at 8:45 pm local time on Friday, where the Galeao Air Force Base Commander coordinated the Guard of Honour.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Saturday titled ‘President Tinubu Arrives In Rio De Janeiro For BRICS Meeting’.

Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture, received President Tinubu.

Tinubu is in Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva.

The Nigerian leader will attend a bilateral meeting hosted by President Lula on Saturday, July 5, ahead of the summit on June 6 and 7.

At the BRICS Summit, the President will participate in a plenary session and deliver an address on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness.

He will also meet with investors to capitalise on the country’s opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy.


The summit’s theme is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

Deliberations will centre on health, Artificial Intelligence, governance, and Climate Change issues.

Ahead of the Leaders’ Summit, the political negotiators of BRICS brainstormed over aligning more commitments to combat socially determined diseases, artificial intelligence governance, and climate finance.

Their focus was on providing concrete solutions to the structural challenges faced by the Global South.

State Governors participating in the summit with the President are Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).