Suspected terrorists have attacked Dekara community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting several residents and reportedly killing others shortly before troops arrived in the area.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, troops were deployed to Dekara on Friday, August 21, as a blocking force ahead of a planned clearance operation in the Kainji Lake National Park.
The community is located near the Nigeria-Benin Republic border and on the fringes of the national park.
Makama reported that while the troops were moving towards Dekara, the suspected terrorists attacked the community, forcing some residents to flee.
The troops later arrived and established a blocking position, but the terrorists subsequently attacked their location.
The attack was reportedly repelled by the troops, with no casualties recorded on the security side.
During the engagement and subsequent search of the area, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and other items allegedly abandoned by the terrorists.
Makama said the exact number of residents abducted or killed was yet to be established, as some residents reportedly fled across the border into Benin Republic before the troops arrived.
He reported that preparations were underway for a major clearance and search-and-rescue operation inside the Kainji Lake National Park to locate the terrorists and rescue possible victims.
“The operation is expected to involve the newly inducted troops deployed from another axis, alongside existing forces operating in the area,” Makama reported.
Terrorists attack Niger community, abduct residents as troops swoop in