Gunmen disguised in hijabs have reportedly kidnapped two people in the Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident happened on Friday night, September 5, 2025, in Melehe community, causing panic and fear among residents.

Eyewitnesses explained that the attackers arrived quietly and positioned themselves at the compound of a junior secondary school principal. They pretended to be ordinary women dressed in hijab, sitting casually at the entrance so that nobody suspected their true identity.

Around 11 p.m., the criminals revealed their weapons after removing the hijabs. They immediately forced their way into the house, taking the principal of the junior secondary school hostage. Another victim, a Fulani woman identified as Aminu Runtoje, was also abducted during the attack.

Residents noted that the operation was carried out silently and swiftly, leaving the community shocked when they eventually realized what had happened. The use of hijabs as disguise by the criminals made it even harder for people to notice the danger on time.

Confirming awareness of the report, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, stated on Sunday that the command was still making efforts to verify the incident before making an official statement. Security patrols are expected to be intensified in the area.

The abduction adds to the rising concerns of insecurity in Niger State and across northern Nigeria. Locals continue to appeal to security agencies and government authorities to strengthen measures that will prevent further attacks on communities.

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