The Niger State Government has directed residents living in villages and hamlets around Kainji Lake to vacate their homes within two months to allow for resettlement by the Emirate Council.

The directive was announced in a statement by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Muhammad Bago, during the governor’s condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad-Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV, in New Bussa. The visit followed a recent terrorist attack in the area that claimed multiple lives.

Governor Bago explained that the resettlement is necessary to protect residents and prevent collateral damage, as the state, in partnership with the Federal Government, plans to clear the forest around Kainji Lake used as a hideout by criminals. He also expressed concern over the unprofiled influx of strangers into the Emirate, which has complicated security operations.

Bago urged the Emirate Council to collaborate closely with security agencies and all levels of government to combat insecurity in the region.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring peace and security, highlighting that relocating residents would allow the forest to be reclaimed and repurposed for community development.