Bandits attack immigration checkpoint in Niger, abduct officer

Armed bandits have attacked immigration personnel in Niger State, abducting one officer and making away with rifles.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Baliavillage in Borgu Local Government Area, when the attackers, riding on motorcycles from the Republic of Benin axis, stormed an immigration checkpoint.

Sources said the assailants, who were reportedly heading towards Babana Market, struck at about 10:30 a.m., overpowering the officers on duty.

During the attack, the bandits disarmed the personnel and fled with two AK-47 rifles, each loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. One officer, Umar Yusuf, was abducted, while his colleague, Unisa Shehu, managed to escape but lost his weapon in the process.

Following the incident, security operatives, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, have launched a search operation in the area. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted officer and recover the stolen firearms.