Niger Assembly seeks more military bases after bandits’ attack, soldier’s death

The Niger State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of more military bases in vulnerable communities across the state following a deadly encounter between troops of the Nigerian Army and more than 100 suspected bandits along the Zungeru-Tegina road.

The Assembly commended the military for repelling the attackers and preventing what lawmakers described as a potential massacre of innocent residents in Rafi Local Government Area, although one soldier was killed and three others sustained injuries during the gun battle.

The resolution followed a motion of commendation moved by the member representing Rafi State Constituency, Hon. Zubairu Ismail Zanna, during plenary on Tuesday.

Zanna praised the troops for their courage, professionalism and gallantry, noting that their swift response prevented the armed men from overrunning the affected communities.

He recalled that the suspected bandits, numbering more than 100, invaded communities along the Zungeru-Tegina road about two weeks ago but were confronted by soldiers who successfully repelled the attack.

One soldier reportedly died from gunshot injuries, while three others sustained injuries. Several bandits were also neutralised during the encounter, and motorcycles were recovered.

While applauding the military’s intervention, Zanna urged the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to sustain their operations and strengthen their presence in communities exposed to persistent attacks.

He stressed that the strategic and economic importance of the affected areas made the establishment of a Forward Operating Base, FOB, necessary to prevent the bandits from regrouping and launching further attacks.

According to him, the absence of military bases and strategically positioned security formations along vulnerable corridors could undermine the ability of security personnel to respond promptly to distress calls.

He further observed that difficult terrain, extensive forests and inadequately secured rural routes in parts of Niger State, particularly Rafi Local Government Area, provide criminal groups with opportunities to infiltrate communities, establish camps and launch attacks on residents.

The lawmaker called on the Niger State Government to urgently engage the Federal Government to secure the establishment of additional military bases in vulnerable communities, particularly along routes frequently exploited by bandits.

He maintained that a stronger military presence would improve response times, strengthen surveillance and help prevent armed groups from using remote communities as operational bases.

The Speaker of the House, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, who presided over the plenary, called for a minute of silence in honour of the fallen soldier and special prayers for the injured personnel receiving treatment.