The Niger State Government has directed residents living in hamlets around Kainji Lake in the Borgu Local Government Area to vacate the area within two months. The move is aimed at clearing criminals hiding in the forest and preventing further loss of life.

Governor Umaru Bago announced the directive during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, following a recent terrorist attack. A statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, highlighted concerns over unmonitored population movements into the Emirate, which have complicated security operations.

The governor also tasked the Emirate Council to collaborate with security agencies and the government at all levels to combat insecurity. He expressed condolences to families affected by the attacks and urged coordinated efforts to protect residents.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, affirmed federal support for the resettlement, emphasizing that relocating residents would allow authorities to reclaim and redeploy the forest for community use.

The Emir of Borgu pledged full cooperation with authorities to identify informants and safeguard lives and property, confirming his support for government initiatives in the region.

The resettlement follows a series of deadly attacks in Niger State:

• Early January 2026: Suspected bandits attacked Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, killing at least 40 people, burning shops, and abducting residents.
• November 2025: Gunmen raided St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, abducting hundreds of pupils and staff.

These incidents, combined with unmonitored population movements, prompted the closure of primary and secondary schools across the state and heightened security concerns, leading to the current resettlement directive.