ByREUTERS

Armed men abducted several worshippers from a mosque in Nigeria's north-central Niger state during Friday prayers, police said on Saturday, in the latest mass kidnapping in a region plagued by violent gangs.

Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said the attackers stormed Kpenya Mosque in the Dekara district of the Borgu local government area at about 2 p.m. (1300 GMT) on Friday after first attacking Gidan-Zana and Kpenya villages.

Protesters march on the street of Ojota in Lagos during the Jun 12 celebrations marking the restoration of democracy in 1999, carrying placards condemning the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers on June 12, 2026.
Protesters march on the street of Ojota in Lagos during the Jun 12 celebrations marking the restoration of democracy in 1999, carrying placards condemning the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers on June 12, 2026. (credit: TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP via Getty Images)

Reports indicate no loss of life; joint security teams have been deployed

"The developing report indicated that no life was lost, while joint security detachment has been deployed to the area for assessment and rescue operations," Abiodun said in a statement.

He said police could not confirm figures.