The overnight assault on Maburya marks one of the largest mass abductions in Niger State this year, with vigilantes describing a ‘full‑blown war’ as indigenous farmers flee and armed groups expand their foothold across remote terrain.
By Suleman Ayuba and Onibiyo Segun
MARIGA, Niger State, Nigeria — More than 100 residents were abducted during a nighttime raid on Maburya community on Sept. 12, in what security sources say is a major escalation of Lakurawa terror group operations across Niger State. Armed men swept through the rural settlement for hours, searching homes, chasing fleeing families into surrounding forests and riverbanks, and seizing scores of residents before disappearing into difficult terrain that has repeatedly hindered security response. Local vigilantes warn the region is now in a “full‑blown war,” with indigenous farmers displaced while armed groups entrench themselves across vast stretches of land.
The exact number of victims remains fluid as search efforts continue, but the invasion marks a major escalation in a relentless wave of mass abductions sweeping through the Mariga area, including nearby communities such as Gulbin Boka, Mohoro and Shadadi.
Local sources told TruthNigeria that the attackers entered Maburya at night, moving through the community as residents scattered in different directions. Armed men searched houses, chased people attempting to escape and took scores of residents away.
Maburya is a rural community in Mariga County, northwestern Niger State, near the settlements of Maroro, Ragada and Yabawa. The area is marked by forests, waterways and difficult roads bogging down security operations.
The region has also become increasingly important to counterterrorism operations. On August 16, the Nigerian Air Force said it had intensified air operations around Maburya, Sangeko, Kampani Bobi and adjoining areas after intelligence indicated terrorists were moving on motorcycles and alongside rustled cattle.
Brigadier General Rabe Umar Abdullahi (rtd.), a counterterrorism expert based in Abuja, told TruthNigeria that, “the attackers’ identity, location and method of operation point to Lakurawa (“the recruits”), the terrorist group already operating across the wider Niger State border area.”
“The attackers exploited Maburya’s remote terrain, approaching from surrounding forest and using motorcycles to move quickly before dispersing with abducted residents,” Abdullahi said.
The scale of the abduction indicates a sophisticated, pre-planned operation rather than a random raid, Abdullahi added.
‘A Full-Blown War’ – Local Guards
Yusuf Abdullahi, a member of the local vigilante hunters in Mariga, confirmed the raid in an exclusive interview with TruthNigeria and described the deteriorating security situation as a war.
“What is happening in Niger State right now is a full-blown war, and the world is keeping silent,” Abdullahi told TruthNigeria.
“The vast, fertile arable land across Niger State, which should be feeding millions of people has now been completely transformed into terrorist enclaves and criminal hideouts.” Abdullahi explained.
He expressed frustration over what he described as inadequate government intervention.
“What surprises me the most is the absolute silence of the government,” Abdullahi said. “Our men are on the ground are fighting with basic tools while armed gangs operate with total impunity, taking over entire communities while official authorities turn a blind eye.”
Indigenous Farmers Held in Long-term Hostage Camps
Hajjaratu Shuaibu, a local lady, told TruthNigeria, “Many of our people have been completely displaced and forced out of their ancestral homes”.
“What surprises us is that the local Fulani settlers are continuing their normal daily activities without any interruption or harassment from these terrorists. Yet we, the indigenous farmers, are being systematically targeted, killed, and abducted off our own land,” Shuaibu explained.
Her account describes a sharp community grievance over displacement and the unequal impact of the violence.
Barrister Ahmed Wawa, who spent a year in captivity with terrorists, described the situation in even starker terms.
“What I saw while in captivity is catastrophic and we are sitting on a time bomb. Thousands of Fulani bandits have occupied our forest, killing and kidnapping for ransom,” Wawa explained.
“I can’t say all that I saw, but I have suffered and buried hostages before my release.” Wawa noted.
Wawa said captives were subjected to various degrees of maltreatment and intimidation during captivity. TruthNigeria independently established the material contained in Wawa’s account.
Lakurawa’s Expanding Footprint
The Maburya raid follows previous TruthNigeria reporting on Lakurawa operations in Niger State.
TruthNigeria reported that the terrorist group was suspected in the August 21 attacks on Gidan-Zana, Kpenya and neighbouring communities in Borgu County, where more than 100 people were abducted and dozens were reported killed. The report was based on witnesses and local sources, while police confirmed the attacks but did not publicly identify the attackers.
A separate TruthNigeria investigation documented clashes between Lakurawa and Mahmuda around Kainji, including attacks on Muslim worshippers in Borgu County in Niger State’s far western border with Benin and the displacement of residents into Benin Republic and Kebbi State.
The pattern matters because Lakurawa has previously been associated with attacks around the Kainji Lake area, where forests, waterways and weak road access make it difficult for security forces to maintain a permanent presence.
Mariga Attack Follows Pissa Bloodshed
The Maburya raid also comes after a series of deadly attacks across Niger State, particularly around Borgu and Mariga.
In June, TruthNigeria reported Lukurawa fighters stormed Pissa in Borgu County, killing residents, burning homes and abducting women and children.
TruthNigeria also reported that terrorists killed three people and burned several houses in Pissa during the June attack, forcing residents to flee into surrounding hills. The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack and the deaths.
The repeated attacks suggest that Maburya cannot be treated as an isolated incident. Armed groups have repeatedly exploited remote terrain for movement, abductions, livestock theft and attacks on communities.
Terrain Gives Attackers An Advantage
Analysts say Maburya’s difficult terrain gives armed groups an advantage, urging persistent surveillance and intelligence-led operations to prevent mass abductions and rapid escape.
The Nigerian military’s recent air operations around Maburya demonstrate that security agencies recognise the area’s importance. But the latest attack raises a more difficult question: whether military strikes alone can prevent armed groups from returning to vulnerable communities.
For families, the urgent question is whether abducted residents can be rescued before being moved deeper into remote areas, while Niger State fears Lakurawa and other groups are entrenching through repeated attacks.
Suleman Ayuba and Onibiyo Segun report on terrorism and conflict for TruthNigeria.
