Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Dekara, Clearance Operation Underway in Kainji Lake National Park
By Zagazola Makama
Troops have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on their position at Dekara District in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, following an earlier attack on the community that reportedly left several people abducted and others killed.
Dekara, located on the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park and close to the Nigeria–Benin Republic border, is considered a difficult-to-access area and has reportedly been exploited as a mobility corridor by terrorist elements operating within the park’s forest.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops were deployed to the community on Friday, August 21, as a blocking force ahead of a planned clearance operation within the forest.
However, while the troops were moving towards the area, suspected terrorists reportedly launched an attack on Dekara community, abducting several residents and killing others.
The troops eventually reached the community the same day and established a blocking position.
The terrorists subsequently attacked the deployed troops but were repelled without casualties on the security side.
During the engagement and subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and other items reportedly abandoned by the terrorists.
The exact number of residents abducted or killed in the attack could not immediately be established, as some residents reportedly fled across the border into the Benin Republic before the arrival of the troops.
Security authorities have commenced preparations for a major clearance and search-and-rescue operation within the Kainji Lake National Park to locate the terrorists, rescue possible victims and deny the criminals freedom of movement within the forest corridor.
The operation is expected to involve the newly inducted troops deployed from another axis, alongside existing forces operating in the area.
Security sources said further updates would be provided as troops make progress with the clearance and rescue operations.
The incident underscores the strategic importance of the Kainji Lake National Park and adjoining border communities as potential transit corridors for armed groups, and the need for sustained surveillance, border coordination and intelligence-led operations to prevent terrorists from establishing safe havens in the forest.
