The Niger State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of additional military bases in communities vulnerable to banditry following a fierce encounter between Nigerian Army troops and more than 100 suspected bandits in Rafi Local Government Area, which left a soldier dead and three others reportedly injured.

The lawmakers commended the troops for repelling the attack along the Zungeru–Tegina road, saying their intervention prevented what could have been a major massacre of innocent villagers.

They, however, warned that the absence of permanent security formations in vulnerable communities could expose residents to fresh attacks.

The House, at its plenary on Tuesday, adopted a motion moved by the member representing Rafi State Constituency, Hon. Zubairu Ismail Zanna, commending the courage, professionalism and gallantry of the troops who confronted the armed men despite their numerical superiority.

The incident occurred about two weeks ago when suspected bandits, reportedly numbering more than 100, invaded communities along the Zungeru–Tegina corridor but met resistance from soldiers, resulting in a fierce gun battle.

According to the account presented to the Assembly, several of the attackers were killed and motorcycles recovered during the encounter. However, a soldier later died from gunshot injuries, while three others sustained injuries.

Zanna described the military intervention as timely, saying the troops deserved commendation for preventing what could have been a devastating attack on communities already grappling with repeated incursions by armed groups.

He, however, cautioned against complacency, warning that bandits displaced by the operation could regroup and launch fresh attacks if permanent military formations were not established along vulnerable routes.

The lawmaker urged the Niger State Government to engage the Federal Government and military authorities on the urgent establishment of additional Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at strategic locations in Rafi and neighbouring communities.

He said the strategic and economic importance of communities along the Zungeru–Tegina road made a sustained military presence imperative to protect residents, commercial activities and transportation.

According to him, difficult terrain, extensive forest reserves and poorly secured rural corridors had continued to provide opportunities for criminal groups to infiltrate communities, establish camps and attack unsuspecting residents.

“The absence of military bases in these areas and strategically positioned security formations along identified vulnerable corridors may limit the ability of security personnel to respond swiftly to distress calls,” he said.

Zanna argued that additional military bases would improve response times, strengthen intelligence gathering and enable troops to sustain pressure on armed groups operating in forests and adjoining communities.

He also called for sustained collaboration among the military, police, other security agencies and local communities to prevent bandits from returning to areas recently secured by troops.

The lawmaker maintained that the Army’s success in repelling the attack demonstrated the importance of effective military intervention but stressed that lasting security would require adequate personnel and operational resources.

The Assembly subsequently adopted the motion, commending the soldiers for their courage and sacrifice while urging the relevant authorities to strengthen security arrangements along identified vulnerable corridors.

Presiding over the plenary, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, called for a minute’s silence in honour of the soldier who lost his life during the operation.

The lawmakers also offered prayers for the deceased soldier and the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the encounter.

Rafi Local Government Area remains one of the areas of Niger State affected by banditry, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities, with armed groups exploiting forest routes and difficult terrain to evade security operations.

Earlier this month, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade, operating under Operation Savannah Shield, reportedly rescued 84 residents held by suspected terrorists following an encounter along the Tegina–Garin Gabas–Zungeru road.

The operation, reported on October 8, also resulted in the death of a soldier from gunshot injuries and the recovery of weapons and other items, highlighting the persistent security challenges along the corridor.

The latest appeal by the lawmakers underscores growing calls for increased military deployments and permanent security formations to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives. (The Sun)