Terrorists demand food items and other materials from Niger communities

Some communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have reportedly been ordered by armed terrorists to purchase food items and other essentials for them, or face attacks.

According to reports, the armed group invaded four communities Dakara, Gbenji Gidazana, Kpeya/Biyan, and Giragbasso/Imile—after allegedly emerging from the Kainji National Park. 

The terrorists reportedly handed over a total of ₦12 million to community leaders to facilitate the purchase of requested items.

Under the arrangement, Dakara village and Gbenji Gidazana village received ₦3.8 million each, while Kpeya/Biyan and Giragbasso/Imile villages got ₦2.3 million each.

The items demanded by the armed group include bags of rice, sugar, salt, cartons of spaghetti and pasta, gallons of palm oil, cooking oil, Maggi seasoning, and powdered milk, among others.

A community leader reportedly raised the alarm to security operatives, prompting a military response in some of the affected areas. 

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

However, authorities are yet to officially confirm the incident as the Niger State Police Command declined immediate comment.