In a shocking development, heavily armed bandits on Tuesday afternoon ambushed the convoy of Hon. Jafaru Mohammad Ali Damisa, the federal lawmaker representing Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency in Niger State, leading to the death of a soldier and leaving several others injured.
How the Attack Happened
According to reports, the attack occurred along a remote route between Borgu and Agwara while the lawmaker’s convoy was returning from an official engagement. Eyewitnesses revealed that the bandits, who were said to be in large numbers, suddenly opened fire on the convoy from both sides of the road, catching the security team off guard.
The soldiers attached to the convoy immediately engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, but the superior firepower and the element of surprise from the assailants reportedly resulted in the death of one soldier on the spot. Several other personnel, including members of the convoy, sustained varying degrees of injuries during the exchange.
Swift Security Response
Security reinforcements from the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups were quickly deployed to the area following the distress call. However, the bandits had already fled into the nearby forest before the arrival of backup forces.
The lawmaker, Hon. Jafaru Damisa, was said to have escaped unhurt but was visibly shaken by the incident. Sources close to his office described the attack as “a deliberate and coordinated attempt” to harm the representative and destabilize the region’s growing sense of safety.
Casualties and Situation Report
At the time of filing this report, the body of the slain soldier had been recovered and taken to a military facility, while the injured victims were receiving treatment at a nearby hospital under tight security. The Nigerian Army has reportedly launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers and is combing the forests connecting Niger and Kebbi States to track them down.
Insecurity in Niger State
Niger State has remained one of the most affected areas in North Central Nigeria due to persistent bandit attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence. Several parts of the state, particularly Borgu, Shiroro, Rafi, Munya, and Mariga local government areas, have been flashpoints for banditry over the past few years.
Communities across these areas continue to live in fear as bandits frequently launch attacks on motorists, villages, and security formations. Despite ongoing military operations such as “Exercise Whirl Punch” and “Operation Hadarin Daji”, residents still report sporadic assaults by armed groups.
Government and Military Reaction
While the Niger State Police Command and the Nigerian Army are yet to issue an official statement as of press time, security analysts have described the attack as a renewed warning about the growing boldness of armed groups in the region.
Calls have intensified for the Federal Government and the Niger State authorities to strengthen security presence, improve intelligence sharing, and provide advanced logistics for troops stationed in vulnerable areas.
Residents Call for Urgent Action
Residents of Borgu and Agwara have expressed outrage over the attack, urging authorities to step up efforts in combating insecurity. Community leaders lamented that despite several assurances from both state and federal levels, the frequency of bandit activities has continued to rise.
One resident who spoke anonymously said:
“We live in constant fear. The roads are no longer safe, and people can’t travel freely. We need urgent government intervention before things get worse.”
Conclusion
The tragic ambush on Hon. Jafaru Mohammad Ali Damisa’s convoy once again highlights the worsening security challenges facing Niger State and other parts of northern Nigeria. As investigations continue, Nigerians are calling for stronger measures to protect lives, especially of public officials and rural communities vulnerable to such deadly attacks.
