Seven Vigilante Operatives Killed In Bandit Attack On Niger State Security Camp

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

MINNA, Niger State, Nigeria – In a brazen weekend assault, armed bandits have killed seven members of a local vigilante group stationed at a security camp in Niger State, marking one of the deadliest attacks on local security personnel in the region in recent months.

The attack occurred on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Matseri Camp in the Kotonkoro District of Mariga Local Government Area, a territory that has become a flashpoint for cross-border criminality. According to security sources cited by Daily Post and Abc News Nigeria, the assailants are believed to have launched their assault from the Sangeko area of neighboring Zamfara State.

The heavily armed gunmen stormed the camp in a surprise raid, opening fire on the security volunteers stationed there. Sources say the vigilantes mounted a stiff resistance, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle. Despite being outgunned, the local security volunteers reportedly succeeded in inflicting casualties on the bandits. However, the attackers eventually overwhelmed the camp, resulting in the deaths of seven operatives.

This latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges confronting parts of North-West and North-Central Nigeria. Residents of Mariga and surrounding communities have endured repeated assaults by criminal gangs operating across the forested areas that link Niger and Zamfara states. Community members have called on security agencies to intensify operations against the armed groups and strengthen the protection of vulnerable settlements and local security camps.

As of Monday, June 15, authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the attack, while efforts were ongoing to ascertain the full extent of casualties suffered by the bandits during the gun battle. The slain vigilantes have been hailed by residents as heroes who paid the ultimate price in defense of their communities.

📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews