RismadarVoice Reporters
October 14, 2026
Suspected bandits have reportedly killed an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Assistant Superintendent of Immigration I Ibrahim Usman Babagiwa, and set his body ablaze following an attack on an immigration surveillance team in Niger State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, along the Tungan Taya–Woko axis in Woko village, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
Babagiwa was reportedly carrying out an official surveillance operation alongside an Inspector of Immigration when the officers came under attack by suspected armed bandits.
The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed the incident in a statement dated October 12, 2026, signed by its Public Relations Officer, DSI M. Abubakar, on behalf of the State Comptroller of Immigration.
According to the statement, Babagiwa was killed during the attack, while his colleague sustained machete injuries but managed to escape.
The surviving officer was subsequently taken for medical treatment and was reported to be in stable condition and responding positively to care.
The command disclosed that Babagiwa’s remains were discovered on Thursday, October 8, two days after the attack.
His body was reportedly found burnt, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Following the recovery of his remains, the deceased officer was buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Immigration Service did not provide further details regarding the number of attackers involved or whether any suspects had been identified or apprehended.
The incident highlights the security risks faced by personnel deployed to surveillance and border-monitoring operations in areas affected by armed criminal activities.
Borgu Local Government Area is situated in western Niger State, close to Nigeria’s international boundary with the Republic of Benin, making the area important for immigration surveillance and border security operations.
Immigration officers operating in such locations are responsible for monitoring cross-border movements, identifying irregular migration activities and supporting national security efforts.
Despite the killing, the Niger State Command reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
The command maintained that the attack would not weaken its determination to combat irregular migration and address security challenges along Nigeria’s international borders.
It also reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity through continued surveillance and cooperation with relevant security agencies.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain subject to further investigation, while no arrests have been confirmed in the information available for this report.
