There was tension in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State as some youths allegedly attempted to disarm soldiers enforcing a curfew before fleeing the scene.
This was made known in a post on Thursday via X by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region.
Zagazola stated that the incident occurred at about 10:35 p.m. on March 10 when troops of the 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, were on patrol to enforce the curfew declared by the Chairman of Borgu Local Government.
He said the troops were patrolling along the Correctional Service Office area in New Bussa when they intercepted some motorcycles.
He added that during the encounter, some aggressive youths reportedly began stoning the soldiers and attempted to struggle with them in a bid to seize a rifle, while also hurling abusive language.
According to the source, the troops fired warning shots into the air to disperse the youths, who later fled the scene, adding that the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service subsequently reported the incident to the police.
Zagazola further revealed that following the report, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in New Bussa immediately mobilised more security personnel to the area, but the youths had already dispersed.
“Community leaders, including the village head, were later invited and cautioned to maintain peace and ensure residents avoid confrontations or misunderstandings with security personnel.
“No arrest was made and no injury was recorded, while the military troops continued their patrol in the area,” he said.
Tension in Niger as youths attempt to disarm soldiers enforcing curfew
