Jafaru Mohammad Ali, the lawmaker representing Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency in Niger State, has raised alarm over the takeover of Kainji National Park by terrorists, describing the once-thriving wildlife and tourism hub as a “haven for criminals.”
Speaking to journalists after the House adopted his motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance on Wednesday, Ali called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently before the situation escalates further.
The lawmaker, who recently survived a brutal attack by bandits, revealed that terrorists have displaced park rangers, seized administrative offices, and converted tourist facilities into operational bases.
“Nobody can enter the park anymore. Residents are being displaced, forced to compromise, or killed. If urgent action is not taken, the entire constituency risks total domination by these criminals—they operate openly and unchallenged,” Ali said.
He further warned that the park, which spans multiple states, is now a launchpad for attacks on Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara States, as well as neighbouring Benin Republic, with many of the assailants identified as foreign fighters moving through interconnected forest reserves.
Citing recent incidents linked to the park’s takeover, the lawmaker mentioned:
- The abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA on November 21.
- An ambush on his convoy on November 4.
- The killings at Gidan Guga on November 2.
Ali urged the House to direct the Chief of Defence Staff to deploy well-equipped troops and establish Forward Operating Bases in strategic communities including Lumma, Audu Fari, Agwara, and Mago. He also called on NEMA and the Refugee Commission to assist displaced residents, and for NALDA and the Ministry of Agriculture to transform the park into a secure agricultural zone once cleared.
Highlighting the danger, Ali recounted narrowly escaping an ambush along the Lumma–Babanna road last Tuesday, which left one soldier and six others dead.
Appealing directly to the President, Ali emphasized the historical ties between the Borgu Emirate and the presidency:
“We supported him. We won all the polling units for him. We don’t want anything from him—only peace in our communities,” he said.