Security Forces Arrest NNPP Candidate Following Attack on Niger Governor’s Convoy
Abdulmalik Usman Nagenu, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) chairmanship candidate, has been taken into custody in connection with an attack on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s convoy in Niger State. The arrest follows the emergence of a controversial social media video linking suspects to the incident.
The arrest occurred after Nagenu, 39, was reportedly recorded during a condolence visit in Bida’s Masaba area, where background conversations allegedly referenced involvement in the convoy assault. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that Nagenu was arrested alongside three other suspects: Ali Mohammed and Adamu Hussain from Nasarafu area, and Isah Umaru from Darachita area, all in Bida.
According to police reports, the incident took place on November 2, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m., when protesters attacked the governor’s convoy with stones and other weapons as it departed Bida for Minna following local government elections. Law enforcement responded with tear gas, though several convoy vehicles sustained damage.
During interrogation, Nagenu allegedly mentioned two additional suspects, Salihu Mohammed and Abdulrahman Baba. His lawyer, Barrister Ibrahim Wali, confirmed the detention at Bida’s Area Command and indicated that legal proceedings for his release were underway.
The state government, through Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation Hamza Bida, attributed the violence to youth dissatisfaction over monetary distribution arrangements rather than election-related issues. He promised decisive action against the perpetrators.
In related developments, the local government elections held on November 1, 2025, saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) secure all chairmanship positions and 271 of 274 councillorship seats. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the remaining three councillorship positions – two in Tafa LGA and one in Rafi LGA. However, opposition parties and voters have contested the results, citing irregularities and violence.
The National Council of NGOs and Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria has subsequently called for the transfer of local government election management from state electoral commissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure greater electoral integrity.
The investigation into the convoy attack continues as authorities work to identify and apprehend additional suspects.
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