The Niger State House of Assembly has commended troops of the Nigerian Army for repelling a major attack by bandits on communities in Rafi Local Government Area of the state, which left one soldier dead and three others injured.
The House also called for the establishment of additional military bases in vulnerable communities to strengthen security, prevent bandits from regrouping, and improve rapid response to distress calls.
The commendation followed a motion moved by the member representing Rafi Constituency, Zubairu Zanna, during plenary on Tuesday.
The lawmaker praised the troops for their courage, professionalism and gallantry in confronting the armed men, saying their intervention prevented what could have resulted in a massacre of innocent residents.
About two weeks ago, more than 100 suspected bandits reportedly invaded communities along the Zungeru-Tegina Road but were met with stiff resistance from the Army, which successfully repelled the attack.
Although one soldier reportedly died from gunshot injuries while three others sustained injuries, several bandits were neutralised during the encounter, and motorcycles were recovered.
Zanna urged the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to sustain their operations and strengthen their presence in the affected communities to prevent further attacks.
He stressed the strategic and economic importance of the communities, noting that the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) would help prevent criminal groups from regrouping and launching fresh attacks.
According to him, the absence of military bases and strategically positioned security formations along identified vulnerable corridors could limit the ability of security personnel to respond swiftly to distress calls.
The lawmaker further observed that difficult terrain, extensive forests and inadequately secured rural routes in parts of the state, particularly Rafi Local Government Area, provided opportunities for criminal groups to infiltrate communities, establish camps and hideouts, and launch attacks on innocent residents.
He therefore called on the Niger State Government to urgently engage the Federal Government on the need to establish additional military bases and strengthen security deployments in vulnerable communities, particularly along routes frequently used by bandits.
The Speaker of the House, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, who presided over the plenary, called for a minute of silence in honour of the fallen soldier and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those receiving medical treatment.
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