Niger Government Gives Kainji Lake Communities 60 Days to Relocate Amid Security Concerns

The Niger State Government has issued a two-month relocation notice to residents of communities around Kainji Lake in Borgu Local Government Area, as part of renewed efforts to address rising insecurity in the region.

Governor Umaru Bago announced the decision during a visit to New Bussa, following recent violent attacks that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. He explained that the evacuation is aimed at flushing out criminal elements who use the surrounding forests as hideouts and pose serious threats to nearby communities.

According to the state government, residents have been given 60 days to vacate the affected areas to allow security agencies operate effectively without civilian interference. Traditional institutions and community leaders have been urged to cooperate with security forces to improve intelligence gathering and maintain peace.

The state government assured that arrangements are being made to support the resettlement process, with commitments of assistance also coming from the federal level. Authorities stressed that the safety of lives and property remains the top priority.

The directive follows a series of deadly attacks in parts of Borgu Local Government Area, which have heightened fears among residents and disrupted economic and social activities, including the temporary closure of schools in some locations.