Key Points

• Six soldiers died in a bandit ambush on a lawmaker’s convoy.

• Gunmen attacked near Kainji National Park in Niger State.

• Security forces launched a manhunt for the attackers.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits ambushed the convoy of Jafaru Mohammed Ali, a member of the House of Representatives from Agwara and Borgu Federal Constituency in Niger State, killing six soldiers on Tuesday.

Ali was touring his constituency when the attack happened at Kuble community along the Babanna road.

Over 50 gunmen, armed with rifles, opened fire on the convoy. The soldiers leading the team died instantly.

The lawmaker and his aides escaped without injury. The assault occurred just a few meters from Kainji National Park, an area now controlled by armed groups for almost two years.

Troops later arrived to evacuate Ali and his team to Babanna town. Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago deployed a helicopter to fly them to Minna for safety and debriefing, according to a local source.

Military Steps Up Search

Security forces have begun new surveillance and intelligence operations across the Kuble, Babanna, and Wawa axis. They aim to locate the attackers and protect nearby communities.

The Borgu local government area, which hosts several federal institutions, has faced repeated assaults in recent months.

Bandits have killed many residents and kidnapped others for ransom.

Armed Groups Tighten Grip on Kainji

Kainji National Park has turned into a base for insurgents, including Boko Haram and the Lakurawa sect.

In July, about 200 members of Lakurawa entered the area on 68 motorcycles. They raised their flag at Kemenji, inside the Borgu sector of the park.

Local sources said the sect claimed it came to protect its members from military harassment.

The group crossed the Olli River after seizing boats from fishermen, then moved toward Awuru community.

Residents also reported that insurgents and bandit groups are running illegal mining and timber operations inside the park.

Despite growing insecurity, the Niger State Government and Police Command have not yet issued any statement on the latest killings.