Borgu Emirate Under Siege as Terrorists Overrun Niger Communities, Forests
Residents of the Borgu Emirate area of Niger State are living in fear following a renewed wave of terrorist attacks that have left several communities overrun and vast forest areas under the control of armed groups.
Local sources said the terrorists, believed to be a mix of bandits and insurgent elements, have intensified their operations across border communities in the emirate, forcing residents to flee their homes and disrupting farming, trade and daily activities.
Communities affected include remote villages close to forest corridors linking Niger State with parts of Kebbi and Kwara states, which security experts say have increasingly become safe havens for armed groups due to their difficult terrain and limited security presence.
A traditional ruler in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as dire, noting that many villages have been deserted. He said residents now sleep with one eye open, while some have relocated to nearby towns for safety.
“The terrorists are everywhere in the forests. They move freely, attack at will and disappear without resistance. Our people are scared, and many communities have been abandoned,” the source said.
Farmers in the area have also lamented that they can no longer access their farmlands, raising concerns about food production and livelihoods as the planting season approaches.
Security sources confirmed increased attacks in parts of Borgu Emirate but said efforts were ongoing to contain the situation. According to them, joint security operations involving the military, police and other agencies have been stepped up, with patrols intensified around vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, residents have appealed to the federal and state governments to urgently deploy more security personnel and establish permanent security bases in the affected areas to prevent further territorial takeover by terrorists.
The Niger State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the latest development, but the worsening security situation in Borgu Emirate adds to growing concerns over insecurity across the North-Central region.