There is palpable tension over increasing Boko Haram infiltration of Niger, a State that shares border with Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
A number of communities have witnessed deadly attacks in recent months due to the presence of the terrorists.
In April 2021, Governor Sani Bello confirmed that Boko Haram hoisted its flag in Kaure village under Shiroro LGA.
The sect is known to do so whenever they consider an area a territory they dominate and control activities therein.
Bello had raised the alarm at a visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in IBB Primary School, near the Emir of Minna’s palace.
“There are Boko Haram elements in Niger. Here in Kaure, they have hoisted their flags. Their wives have been seized and forcefully attached to Boko Haram members.
“This is what I have been engaging the Federal Government on. Unfortunately, it has now got to this level. If care is not taken, even Abuja is not safe”, he warned.
On the upsurge of attacks, the Nigerian military says Boko Haram fighters are behind the recent atrocities.
An officer told PRNigeria that the insurgents use sophisticated weapons, hoist flags and plant bombs on roads.
“Even with the aerial bombing, ground operations are being hampered by planted IEDs which require sweeping to defuse affected areas.
“We can’t move without advisories from bomb experts on the safety of our troops and the routes.”
The source recalled that in January, Boko Haram retaliated the killing, arrest of its members and recovery of over 500 animals.
“They launched the bloodiest attack on the camp of Joint Security Task Force in Galadiman Kogo district, killing 11 security personnel”, he said.
The Task Force stationed at Kuchi in Munya was shut down after the assault.
On Monday, an IED claimed the lives of four Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives in Niger.
