Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has vowed to reclaim the vast Kainji Lake forest from terrorists who have turned the area into a stronghold.
He declared that his administration would deploy decisive measures to flush out criminal elements operating there.
The governor directed residents living in hamlets and settlements within and around the Kainji Lake axis to relocate within two months to prevent casualties when security operations commence.
Hours after Bago vowed to flush out the insurgents, suspected terrorists launched another deadly attack on the Kabe community in Borgu Local Government Area.
Bago talked tough during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, at his palace in New Bussa, following deadly attacks on communities within the Emirate.
“We will take over the forest, burn it down if necessary, smoke them out completely and reclaim it.
“We will not stop until the forest is cleared and made habitable again for legitimate activities,” the governor vowed.
He said the planned evacuation of communities was a difficult but necessary decision aimed at avoiding collateral damage.
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The governor stressed that the state government, working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies, was determined to dismantle terrorist camps entrenched within the Kainji Lake forest.
According to him, the forest has become a haven for terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements who exploit its vastness and proximity to international borders to launch attacks on innocent communities.
Bago expressed concern over the unregulated influx of people into the Borgu Emirate.
He warned that the lack of profiling has worsened insecurity and enabled informants to undermine security operations.
“The issue of informants is a serious one. People come into these communities without proper identification, and it has become a major security challenge. This must stop,” he said.
He urged the Emirate Council, traditional rulers and community leaders to rise to their responsibilities by working closely with security agencies to identify suspicious movements and expose collaborators aiding terrorist activities.
The governor extended his condolences to the Emir, the affected communities and families of victims killed in the attacks, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for their loved ones.
Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, pledged the full cooperation of the Emirate with government and security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute informants and collaborators.
He described security of lives and property as non-negotiable and assured that the Emirate would leave no stone unturned in supporting efforts to restore peace.
The Emir thanked Bago for the visit and reaffirmed the Emirate’s support for policies and programmes of the administration aimed at improving the welfare and security of the people.
The Borgu Emirate covers Borgu Local Government Area, headquartered in New Bussa, and Agwara Local Government Area, headquartered in Agwara.
It consists of about 250 villages, communities and settlements, with approximately 163 in Borgu LGA and 85 in Agwara LGA.
Terrorists invade Borgu community
Hours after Bago’s visit, suspected terrorists launched another deadly attack on the Kabe community in Borgu.
The assailants invaded the community at about 10 p.m., riding on several motorcycles and firing gunshots sporadically, forcing residents to flee their homes in panic.
Sources said the attackers killed an 85-year-old woman, identified as Amina Adamu, abducted an unspecified number of residents and looted food items from homes in the community.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted persons could not be confirmed, as many residents were still missing.
The latest attack has heightened fears among residents, coming just days after terrorists reportedly slaughtered more than 40 traders at Kasuwan Daji market, located a few kilometres from Kabe community.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenge in the Borgu axis and the urgency of the planned military and security operations announced by the state government.
Security agencies were said to be monitoring the situation, while affected residents called for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.
