Military Foils Terrorist Attacks in Niger, Borno, Launch Clearance Operations
Nigerian security forces have repelled separate attacks by suspected terrorists in Niger and Borno states, recovering an AK-47 rifle in one of the operations and launching preparations for a major clearance and search-and-rescue mission in the Kainji Lake National Park.
In Niger State, troops deployed to Dekara District in Borgu Local Government Area repelled an attack by suspected terrorists after the assailants had earlier invaded the community, reportedly killing some residents and abducting several others.
Dekara, located on the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park and near the Nigeria–Benin Republic border, is regarded as a difficult-to-access area and has reportedly been exploited as a movement corridor by armed groups operating within the forest.
Security sources said troops were deployed to the area on Friday, August 21, as a blocking force ahead of a planned clearance operation within the park.
While the troops were moving towards the community, suspected terrorists reportedly attacked Dekara, abducting residents and killing others.
The troops subsequently reached the community and established a blocking position. The terrorists later attempted to attack the deployed forces but were repelled without casualties among the security personnel.
During the engagement and subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and other items reportedly abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
The exact number of residents killed or abducted could not immediately be established, as some residents reportedly fled across the border into the Benin Republic before the arrival of the troops.
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Security authorities have commenced preparations for a major clearance and search-and-rescue operation within the Kainji Lake National Park to locate the terrorists, rescue possible victims and restrict their freedom of movement within the forest corridor.
The operation is expected to involve newly inducted troops deployed from another axis, alongside existing forces operating in the area.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Juhuhi Village in Hawul Local Government Area.
The attack occurred at about 6:45 p.m. on August 23, when the terrorists invaded the community and opened sporadic fire.
A 33-year-old resident, identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, sustained a gunshot wound to his back after being hit by a stray bullet.
A combined team of troops, Police tactical units, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and the Hunters Group responded to the attack and engaged the assailants.
The security forces successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
The injured resident was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, while relevant details and photographs were documented as part of the ongoing security investigation.
Normalcy has since returned to Juhuhi, while security forces have maintained operations in the area to prevent further attacks.
The two incidents highlight persistent security challenges along forested and border communities in the North-Central and North-East regions, particularly areas that provide difficult terrain and potential mobility corridors for terrorist and criminal groups.
Security authorities are expected to sustain intelligence-led operations, surveillance and inter-agency coordination to deny armed groups access to forest sanctuaries, disrupt their movement and prevent them from establishing operational footholds in vulnerable communities.
By PRNigeria
