Suspected Boko Haram insurgents reportedly overran a military base in Allawa town, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, forcing residents to flee to avoid violence. The attack, which occurred around 1:30 am, involved around 200 armed insurgents on motorcycles, possibly in retaliation for recent clashes with the military in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, the insurgents targeted the military camp and the town, looting cash, food, and valuables from residents. Casualty figures were not immediately available due to the late-night timing of the attack.
In a separate incident, bandits attacked the palace of the emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Mohammed Bunu, in Zamfara State. The bandits, who arrived around 11:00 pm, fired shots but were unsuccessful in kidnapping the emir, who was safely evacuated by security agents to Gusau, the state capital. The bandits also destroyed a transformer and a telecoms mast network booster in the area.
These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by communities in Niger and Zamfara states, with residents living in fear of attacks and kidnapping by criminal elements. Security forces are expected to intensify efforts to protect civilians and combat insurgent and bandit activities in the region.
