Lawmaker Jafaru Ali warns terrorists have seized Kainji National Park, urging urgent military action to protect communities and restore peace.
Lawmaker representing Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency of Niger State, Jafaru Ali has raised a critical alarm over the worsening security situation in Niger State, warning that Kainji National Park has become a stronghold for terrorists.
The lawmaker emphasized that immediate military intervention is needed to safeguard communities in Borgu and Agwara from daily attacks, abductions, and killings.
Speaking to journalists after the House of Representatives adopted his motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, Lawmaker Jafaru Ali described the park, once a hub for wildlife and tourism, as completely overrun by armed criminals.
He revealed that park rangers have been displaced, administrative offices seized, and tourist facilities converted into operational bases by these groups.
“No one can safely enter Kainji National Park anymore,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that terrorists are using the park to launch attacks not only in Niger State but also in neighboring Kebbi, Kwara, and even across the border in Benin Republic.
Many of the insurgents are foreign fighters moving through interconnected forest reserves to strengthen their control over the region.
Lawmaker Jafaru Ali highlighted a series of recent violent incidents linked to the park’s occupation, including the November 21 abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, the November 4 ambush on his convoy, and the November 2 killings at Gidan Guga.
“If urgent action is not taken, our communities face total domination by these criminals,” he warned.
The lawmaker called on the Chief of Defence Staff to deploy well-equipped troops and establish Forward Operating Bases in strategic locations, including Lumma, Audu Fari, Agwara, and Mago.
He also appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Refugee Commission to provide support for displaced residents, while urging NALDA and the Ministry of Agriculture to transform reclaimed park areas into secure agricultural zones.
Recalling his recent near-death experience during an ambush along the Lumma–Babanna road, Lawmaker Jafaru Ali stressed that the attack left one soldier and six civilians dead, underscoring the grave risks residents face daily.
“We need urgent federal intervention to prevent further loss of life and restore peace,” he said.
The lawmaker concluded with a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the longstanding ties between the Borgu Emirate and the presidency.
“We supported him in every polling unit and are not asking for personal favors—only peace for our communities,” he said.
With Kainji National Park now effectively controlled by terrorists, Lawmaker Jafaru Ali warned that the window for decisive action is closing, and any delay could escalate the humanitarian crisis across Niger State and beyond.
Ireport247news
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