Niger: Armed Bandits Disguised in Hijabs Abduct School Principal, Local Woman in Nighttime Raid

Armed bandits disguised in hijabs abducted a school principal and a local woman during a nighttime raid in Niger.

In a shocking and well-coordinated late-night attack, four armed bandits dressed in hijabs abducted two individuals from the Melehe community in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident occurred on the night of September 5, between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Eyewitnesses say the attackers, disguised as women, arrived in the area under the pretense of being harmless visitors. They sat quietly outside a residential compound for over an hour, blending in and arousing no suspicion. Just before midnight, the men abruptly removed their disguises, drew weapons, and stormed the residence.

The victims were identified as the principal of the Junior Secondary School in Melehe and a local woman named Aminu Runtoje. The assailants reportedly forced entry into the home and abducted both individuals at gunpoint before fleeing the scene.

Local residents say the community was caught off guard by the deceptive strategy, which appears to have been designed to lower defenses and evade early detection. The incident has since sparked fear and outrage, with many calling for improved security presence in rural areas vulnerable to such attacks.

Authorities have confirmed the abductions and launched an investigation. However, as of the time of reporting, the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

This attack adds to a growing list of security breaches in the region, where banditry and kidnappings for ransom continue to plague local communities.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, DAILY POST