Nigerian Security Forces Arrest Suspected Lakurawa Fighter Linked To Mass Abduction Of Over 500 In Niger | Sahara Reporters

SaharaReporters previously reported that terrorists abducted scores of worshippers, including the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekara and the Chief Imam of Dekara Central Mosque, during coordinated attacks on communities in the area.

Security forces have reportedly arrested a suspected Lakurawa fighter identified as Dego in the western axis of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, amid ongoing military operations against the terrorist group in the area.

According to conflict reporter Bakatsine, who disclosed the development in a post on X on Thursday, Dego is linked to attacks and mass abductions around Dekara, where more than 500 women, men and children are reportedly still being held captive.

The reported arrest comes days after terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on several communities in Borgu LGA, abducting scores of residents, including worshippers during Friday prayers.

Bakatsine said Dego’s arrest could provide security agencies with crucial intelligence on the movements, networks and hideouts of Lakurawa fighters, as well as the possible locations where the abducted residents are being held.

He wrote, “UPDATE: Security forces have reportedly arrested a Lakurawa fighter identified as Dego in the western axis of Borgu LGA, Niger State.

“He is linked to attacks and mass abductions around Dekara, where locals report that more than 500 women, men and children are still being held captive.

“The reported arrest comes as troops step up operations against Lakurawa fighters in the Borgu axis.

“Dego could provide crucial intelligence on the group’s movements, networks and the possible location of the hostages. The priority now should be using that intelligence to find and safely rescue those still in captivity.”

SaharaReporters previously reported that terrorists abducted scores of worshippers, including the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekara and the Chief Imam of Dekara Central Mosque, during coordinated attacks on communities in the area.

The attacks reportedly occurred around 2:00pm on Friday, August 21, 2026, during Jumu’ah prayers.

Residents said the terrorists first attacked Gidan-Zana and Kpenya before storming a mosque in Kpenya, where worshippers had gathered for Friday prayers.

The attackers were also reported to have abducted residents in Gidan Zana, Masaka, Sabon Gida and other surrounding communities.

While the exact number of victims remained unclear, there are reports that about 600 people were abducted.

A resident told SaharaReporters at the time that the attackers deliberately targeted communities and worshippers during the Friday prayers.

“They attacked when people were going for Jumu’ah prayers. They first went to Gidan-Zana and Kpenya, and then they entered the mosque at Kpenya and started taking people away,” the resident said.

“People were also taken from Gidan Zana, Masaka, Sabon Gida and other nearby villages. The attacks happened almost at the same time, so it was clearly coordinated.”

Another source said the abduction of the elderly father of the District Head of Dekara and the Chief Imam had intensified fear among residents.

“Among those taken is the 90-year-old father of our District Head. The Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Dekara was also abducted,” the source said.

The attack was reportedly preceded by demands for levies and the imposition of strict religious rules on communities in the area.

A community source said residents had rejected the demands, raising fears of retaliation by the terrorists.

The attacks have since triggered renewed concerns over the security situation in Borgu, particularly the vulnerability of rural communities and worshippers.

A video showing scores of abducted men and women also emerged after the attacks. In the footage, a suspected leader of the terrorist group was seen addressing the victims and asking relatives to identify their loved ones.

The development reportedly intensified anxiety among families whose relatives remained missing.