Nigeria: Nscia Demands Urgent Rescue of Borgu Captives, Condemns Mosque Attack

What the report says

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned a series of terrorist attacks in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and called for the urgent rescue of people still being held captive. In a statement reported by Leadership and distributed by AllAfrica, the council said the violence hit four communities — Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara — on August 21, 2026, and described it as a serious escalation against civilians.

According to the report, the NSCIA said scores of people were killed, injured or abducted, with the attack on Dekara Central Mosque singled out as especially alarming. The council said more than 60 worshippers were taken while attending Friday prayers. It also said about 30 people were reportedly killed across the assaults, while others suffered injuries, including some described as severe. The organization framed the mosque raid as an attack on the right to worship and on civilian safety.

The council urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies and state authorities to treat the situation as a national emergency. It called for stronger intelligence-led security, better coordination across Niger and nearby border areas, and immediate efforts to locate hostages. The statement also encouraged cooperation among traditional rulers, religious leaders and communities, while cautioning that terrorism should not be viewed only through the lens of one faith group. Context from the report suggests the area has faced repeated attacks and displacement, and that forest corridors around Kainji Lake National Park remain a concern for security planning.