Niger State Assembly Urges Expanded Military Presence Following Rafi Bandit Attack

The Niger State House of Assembly has issued a formal commendation to the Nigerian Army following a successful operation to repel a large-scale bandit attack in the Rafi Local Government Area. The legislative body praised the troops for their professionalism and courage, noting that their intervention prevented a potential massacre of local residents.

Details of the Engagement

According to information presented to the Assembly by Zubairu Zanna, the representative for the Rafi Constituency, the encounter occurred approximately two weeks ago. A group of over 100 suspected bandits attempted to infiltrate communities situated along the Zungeru-Tegina Road. The Nigerian Army mounted a stiff resistance, successfully repelling the attackers.

The operation, however, came at a cost. Reports indicate that one soldier lost his life due to gunshot injuries, while three others sustained wounds during the exchange. In the aftermath, several bandits were neutralized, and motorcycles used by the criminal group were recovered by security forces.

Legislative Call for Strategic Security

During Tuesday’s plenary session, the House of Assembly deliberated on the security challenges facing the region. Lawmakers argued that current security deployments are insufficient to cover the vast, difficult terrain and dense forests that characterize parts of the state. These geographical features, they noted, provide cover for criminal groups to establish hideouts and infiltrate rural communities.

To address these vulnerabilities, the Assembly has put forward several recommendations:

• Establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs): The House urged the state government to engage with the Federal Government to secure the establishment of new military bases in high-risk areas.
• Enhanced Rapid Response: Lawmakers emphasized that strategically positioned formations are essential to reducing response times to distress calls.
• Sustained Operations: The Assembly called on security agencies to maintain a consistent presence along frequently targeted routes to prevent bandits from regrouping.

Zubairu Zanna highlighted that the Rafi area holds significant strategic and economic importance, making the security of its transport corridors a priority for the state’s stability.

Commemoration of Service

Presiding over the session, Speaker of the House Abdulmalik Sarkindaji led the Assembly in observing a minute of silence to honor the soldier who died in the line of duty. The House also offered prayers for the recovery of the three soldiers currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

While the Assembly has called for increased federal intervention, specific timelines for the establishment of new military bases or further details regarding the current status of the injured soldiers were not disclosed in the report.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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