Fear Grips Niger Communities As Residents Flee Over Fresh Bandit Threats
Residents of communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State have begun fleeing their ancestral homes following a deadly...
Niger State
Niger State, the “Power State,” is the largest state in Nigeria by landmass and the heart of the nation’s hydroelectric power generation. Home to three major dams, it is a critical pillar of Nigeria’s energy and agricultural sectors. Naija News provides consistent coverage of Niger State’s “Farmer Governor” initiatives, security updates, and infrastructural development.
Quick Facts & Profile
| Category | Details |
| Current Governor | Mohammed Umar Bago (APC) |
| Capital | Minna |
| Founded | February 3, 1976 |
| Slogan | The Power State |
| Geopolitical Zone | North Central |
| Area | 76,363 km² |
| Population | ~6.7 Million+ (Estimated) |
| ISO Code | NG-NI |
Geography and Borders
Niger State shares an international border with the Republic of Benin to the west. Domestically, it is bordered by Zamfara to the north, Kebbi to the northwest, Kaduna and the FCT to the northeast and east, Kwara and Kogi States to the south.
Governance: From 1976 to Date
Created from the old North-Western State, Niger has been a training ground for several of Nigeria’s top military and civilian leaders:
- Murtala Nyako (1976–1977): The first Military Governor.
- Awwal Ibrahim (1979–1983): The first Executive Governor.
- Abdulkadir Kure (1999–2007): Focused on rural transformation and Sharia implementation.
- Babangida Aliyu (2007–2015): Known as the “Chief Servant” governor.
- Abubakar Sani Bello (2015–2023): Focused on youth empowerment and security.
- Mohammed Umar Bago (2023–Present): Currently leading a massive “Agricultural Revolution” to turn the state into Nigeria’s food hub.
Education and Landmarks
The state is home to the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) and the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai. Iconic landmarks include the Kainji, Shiroro, and Jebba Dams, as well as the majestic Gurara Waterfalls and Zuma Rock.
We Will Prevail! – APC Chairman Condemns Niger Attack
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has condemned recent attacks on communities in Agwara and Borgu Local...
Gunmen Attack Police Checkpoint In Niger State
Barely two days after a deadly attack on Kasuwar Daji market in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where over 40...
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Condemns Niger Attacks
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), has strongly condemned the recent attacks that claimed the lives...
‘This Cycle Of Violence Must Be Stopped’ – Peter Obi Blows Hot Over Terrorists Attack In Niger
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed displeasure over the latest terrorists’ attack on the Niger community that claimed the...
‘They Must Be Hunted’ – Northern Govs Back Tinubu’s Order To Hunt Down Terrorists In Niger Attack
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NGF) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to track down and...
Atiku Condemns Terror Attacks In Niger, Mourns Victims
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent terrorist attacks on communities in Agwarra and Borgu Local...
Terrorists Kill 42, Reportedly Abduct Students Of Niger School Again
Barely days after regaining their freedom, students of St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area...
Over 30 Killed, Market Burnt As Bandits Sack Niger State Community
No fewer than 30 people, including women, were killed when armed bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government...
Photos: Nigeria Military Drone Crashes In Niger State
A military combat drone has crashed in the Kontagora forest area of Niger State, raising fresh concerns over aerial operations in the...
NSA Hands Over 130 Rescued Pupils, Teachers To Niger Governor
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has handed over the remaining 130 pupils and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary...
Niger Abduction: ‘We Are Expecting More To Be Released’ – Bishop’s Aide
Daniel Atori, media aide to the Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Proprietor of the abducted schoolchildren, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, has said...
“Fitting End To The Year” – FG Reacts To Rescue Of Abducted Niger State Schoolchildren
The federal government has expressed joy and satisfaction over the rescue of abducted pupils of the St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School,...
Niger Govt Confirms Release Of School Children, To Receive Them Today
The remaining schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State...
Presidency Shares Details Of How Kidnapped Niger Schoolchildren Were Rescued
The presidency on Sunday disclosed that the remaining 130 schoolchildren previously kidnapped by bandits in Niger State were rescued following a military-intelligence-driven...
Presidency Confirms Release Of Niger State Schoolchildren
The presidency on Sunday confirmed that no student of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Agwara Local...
FG Secures Release Of All Kidnapped Schoolchildren From Niger State
The federal government has secured the release of all the schoolchildren kidnapped by bandits from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State....
Senior Police Officer Kills Self Amidst Link With Bandits
A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) attached to the Mobile Police Force (MOPOL 12) in Niger State has died amid an ongoing...
‘New Niger Agenda’ – Gov Bago Sacks All Special Advisers
The Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, has terminated the appointments of all his special advisers in a move aimed at restructuring...
Bago Backs Single-term Tenure For Governors
The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has thrown his weight behind a single-term tenure for governors, insisting that the current...
