Terrorists Allegedly Force Niger Communities To Buy Food Or Face Attacks

Residents of four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have reportedly been ordered by suspected terrorists to purchase food items and other essentials for them or risk violent attacks.

The armed group, allegedly operating from the Kainji National Park, is said to have invaded Dakara, Gbenji Gidazana, Kpeya/Biyan, and Giragbasso/Imile communities, issuing the directive to community leaders.

According to reports, the attackers also handed over a total of ₦12 million to the affected communities to procure the requested supplies on their behalf.

Dakara and Gbenji Gidazana reportedly received ₦3.8 million each, while Kpeya/Biyan and Giragbasso/Imile were given ₦2.3 million each for the purchases.

The items allegedly demanded include bags of rice, sugar, salt, cartons of pasta, cooking oil, palm oil, seasoning cubes, and powdered milk.

A community leader was said to have alerted security agencies following the development, prompting a military operation in parts of the affected area.

During the operation, some of the suspected attackers were reportedly killed, while motorcycles believed to belong to the group were recovered.

As of press time, the incident had not been officially confirmed by authorities, with the Niger State Police Command yet to issue a formal statement.