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The Niger State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that 50 passengers were kidnapped along the Lunma-Wawa Road in Borgu Emirate, describing the claim as false and misleading.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the Command immediately contacted the Divisional Police Officer in New Bussa and conducted checks across the area following the circulation of the report.
According to him, investigations revealed that no kidnapping incident occurred along the Lunma-Wawa axis on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
“When we heard the report that 50 persons were abducted along the road, we contacted the DPO in charge of the area and made enquiries. Our findings confirmed that no such incident happened along the Lunma-Wawa Road today,” he said.
The police spokesman, however, disclosed that security agencies received information on Monday, June 15, about an attempted attack by suspected bandits along the same route.
He explained that the armed men reportedly blocked the highway in an apparent bid to intercept travellers, but motorists refused to stop and successfully escaped, leaving the attackers without any victims.
“There was an attempted attack yesterday, but it was not successful because commuters did not stop. No one was kidnapped,” Abiodun stated.
He noted that the most recent security incident recorded in Borgu Emirate occurred on Sunday, June 14, when suspected terrorists invaded Pesa village, killing three residents and setting several houses ablaze.
Abiodun said security agencies are continuing efforts to safeguard communities and major routes across the emirate, urging members of the public to verify information before spreading reports capable of causing panic.
He further maintained that the claim of a mass abduction of 50 passengers remains unfounded and does not reflect the situation on the ground.
