Boko Haram Escalates Attacks In Niger State, Killing And Injuring Locals

Boko Haram Expands in Niger State: Explosive Attacks Kill Three, Injure Four

Between February and December 2024, Boko Haram insurgents intensified their activities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, with six Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks reported during this period. The attacks have not only led to the death of several locals but also forced the military to withdraw from critical areas, including Allawa garrison town.

Recent reports indicate that the insurgents are now camping in the Maganda and Kugu regions within the Allawa forest reserve, an area that connects terror-prone reserves in Kaduna and Zamfara States.

Recent Explosions in December

In less than a month, four IED explosions have been recorded in the Bassa and Allawa axes. The most devastating occurred on a Thursday morning when three siblings—Mali, Nehemiah, and Jona—were headed to their farm. Tragically, they triggered an explosive planted by terrorists, leading to severe injuries. One of the siblings, a minor, had his leg amputated, while the others were injured and rushed to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna.

Later that same day, another explosive detonated on the Bassa-Gwadara road, killing a bread seller on a motorcycle and injuring a rescuer. A youth leader, Yusuf Shapa, confirmed yet another explosion at 4 p.m. on Tudun Baturiya-Erena road, marking three attacks within a single day.

Previous Attacks and Military Withdrawal

Earlier incidents include the December 7 IED explosion on the Bassa-Unguwar Usman road, which killed a local, and the February 3 attack along the Allawa-Pandogari road, which led to the death of travelers. The terrorists’ repeated use of IEDs has forced the military to retreat from Allawa, leaving civilians vulnerable and causing mass displacement to nearby Erena.

Boko Haram’s Growing Presence

Boko Haram has established a stronghold in the Allawa forest reserve, enabling them to launch attacks on civilians and security personnel. The forest links key villages like Bassa, Kukkoki, and Gyramiya, which have become hotspots for insurgent activities.

This alarming expansion follows earlier warnings by former Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, who revealed in 2021 that Boko Haram had hoisted its flag in Kaure village. Despite these warnings, effective countermeasures to curb the spread of insurgency remain elusive.

At the time of writing, the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Abdullahi Garba, has not responded to inquiries regarding the government’s plans to address this growing threat.