Video Shows Hundreds Held Captive After Mosque Attack in Nigeria

Gunmen attacked worshippers at a mosque in Dekara village in north-central Nigeria's Niger State on Friday, according to reports from residents and local authorities. The assailants then abducted a large number of people, mostly women, children, and the elderly, and marched them into a forested area.

A video circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp and later verified by Reuters shows large groups of captives seated on the ground surrounded by armed men. Several children can be heard crying in the background. Residents who saw the video identified relatives and neighbors, putting the number of kidnapped at around 600. The figure has not been independently confirmed, and government officials have not released an official count.

Nigeria has experienced a surge in mass kidnappings for ransom in recent years, particularly in the northwest and north-central regions. Armed gangs often target remote villages, schools, and places of worship, seizing dozens or even hundreds of people and demanding payment for their release. In many cases, victims are held for weeks or months before ransom deals are struck or military rescue operations are attempted.

The identity of the group behind the Dekara attack remains unclear. Local sources suggest it is likely one of several criminal networks operating in the region, sometimes linked to banditry and cattle rustling. Some of these groups have also formed alliances with jihadist factions active in northeastern Nigeria, though analysts caution that motives vary and can shift over time.

The Nigerian government has faced mounting criticism over its inability to stem the tide of kidnappings, despite repeated promises to improve security. President Bola Tinubu's administration has deployed additional troops to high-risk areas and launched operations targeting bandit hideouts, but attacks have continued. In a statement, the Niger State Police Command said it was aware of the incident and was working with the military to locate the captives and apprehend the perpetrators.

Human rights groups have called on authorities to prioritize the safe return of the hostages and to address the root causes of the crisis, including poverty, weak governance, and the proliferation of arms. International organizations have also offered support, but security operations in remote forested terrain remain challenging.

For now, families of the missing wait anxiously, hoping that negotiations or a rescue mission will bring their loved ones home. The video, while confirming the scale of the abduction, has only deepened fears for their safety.

Why This Matters

The kidnapping of an estimated 600 people from a mosque underscores the escalating insecurity and impunity enjoyed by armed groups in north-central Nigeria. Such mass abductions destabilize communities, disrupt daily life, and multiply humanitarian needs.
The incident tests the Tinubu administration’s ability to fulfill its campaign promise of restoring security. Failure to respond effectively could further erode public trust and invite international criticism.
The use of social media by kidnappers to broadcast their captives is a growing tactic that pressures families and governments into ransom negotiations while exposing victims to public trauma and potential exploitation.

Background

Nigeria has grappled with a kidnapping-for-ransom epidemic for more than a decade, particularly in the north-west and north-central zones. Armed gangs—often referred to locally as bandits—operate from forest camps and raid rural communities, roads, and schools. The problem worsened after 2020, when a wave of school abductions drew global attention. Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, declared a state of emergency on security in February 2025, but large-scale attacks have persisted. The Dekara mosque kidnapping is among the largest single-incident abductions in the region, perhaps second only to the 2021 abduction of over 300 schoolboys in Kankara, Katsina State. Security analysts note that these groups are increasingly well-armed and organized, sometimes coordinating across state borders.

Key Perspectives

[Local residents and victim families]: They demand immediate government action to secure the release of their loved ones but often distrust official efforts, fearing that corruption or slow response will lead to prolonged captivity or forced ransom payments they cannot afford. [Nigerian government (security forces)]]: Authorities acknowledge the attack and say they are conducting search-and-rescue operations. They face immense logistical obstacles—dense forests, limited intelligence, and the risk of civilian casualties—and have sometimes denied the scale of abductions to avoid panic. [Armed groups (kidnappers)]]: These groups typically view hostages as bargaining chips for ransom money, prisoner exchanges, or political concessions. They may also use the propaganda value of videos to demonstrate power and intimidate the state. [Human rights organizations]: Groups like Amnesty International and local NGOs criticize the government for failing to protect civilians and urge a human-rights-based approach that prioritizes safe rescue over military confrontation.

What to Watch

Official confirmation of the number kidnapped. The government’s acknowledgment (or revision) of the 600 figure will signal its transparency and capacity to verify incidents.
Ransom demands and negotiations. If the armed group issues a public demand, it could trigger a high-stakes negotiation that may involve state governments or intermediaries.
Military or police rescue operation outcomes. A successful rescue would boost government credibility; a failed one could lead to casualties and further backlash.
Social media footage releases. Additional videos may reveal the captives’ conditions or demands, and could become a tool for both the group and the authorities.

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