Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has pledged to reclaim the expansive Kainji Lake forest from terrorists who have reportedly turned the area into a stronghold.
He said his administration would adopt decisive measures to flush out criminal elements operating within the forest.
As part of the planned security operations, the governor directed residents of hamlets and settlements in and around the Kainji Lake axis to relocate within two months to avoid casualties when the exercise begins.
Barely hours after the governor made the declaration, suspected terrorists carried out another deadly attack on the Kabe community in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Bago made the remarks during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, at his palace in New Bussa, following recent 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 explained that the proposed evacuation of communities was a painful but necessary step to prevent collateral damage during the planned security operations.
Bago said the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies, was resolute in its determination to dismantle terrorist camps entrenched in the Kainji Lake forest.
According to him, the forest has become a refuge for terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements who take advantage of its vast terrain and proximity to international borders to attack innocent communities.
The governor also raised concerns over the unregulated influx of people into the Borgu Emirate, warning that the absence of proper profiling had worsened insecurity and enabled informants to sabotage security efforts.
“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 called on the Emirate Council, traditional rulers and community leaders to collaborate closely with security agencies by identifying suspicious movements and exposing collaborators aiding terrorist activities.
Governor Bago extended his condolences to the Emir, affected communities and families of those killed in the attacks, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for their relatives.
In his response, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, assured of the full cooperation of the Emirate with government and security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute informants and collaborators.
He described the security of lives and property as non-negotiable and pledged that the Emirate would fully support efforts aimed at restoring peace in the area.
The Emir thanked the governor for the condolence visit and reaffirmed the Emirate’s support for the administration’s policies and programmes targeted at improving the welfare and security of the people.
The Borgu Emirate comprises Borgu Local Government Area, with its headquarters in New Bussa, and Agwara Local Government Area, headquartered in Agwara.
It is made up of about 250 villages, communities and settlements, including approximately 163 in Borgu Local Government Area and 85 in Agwara Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, hours after the governor’s visit, suspected terrorists again attacked the Kabe community in Borgu Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 10 p.m., riding several motorcycles and firing gunshots sporadically, forcing residents to flee in panic.
Sources said the assailants killed an 85-year-old woman, identified as Amina Adamu, abducted an undisclosed number of residents and looted food items from several homes.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted persons remained unclear, as many residents were still unaccounted for.
The latest attack has heightened fear among residents, coming just days after terrorists were reported to have killed more than 40 traders at the Kasuwan Daji market, located a few kilometres from Kabe community.
The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in the Borgu axis and underscores the urgency of the military and security operations announced by the state government.
Security agencies were said to be monitoring developments in the area, while residents of affected communities called for increased security presence to forestall further attacks.
