EXCLUSIVE: ‘ They Send Us To Fight Terrorists With Inferior Weapons’: Niger Vigilantes Blame Gov’t, Informants As 8 Commanders Killed, Over 40 Injured In Four Days

 

The allegations followed a fresh wave of attacks across the Konkoso and Kabe wards of Borgu between September 18 and 22, during which at least 12 people were reportedly killed, including eight vigilantes and four civilians.

Local vigilantes battling terrorists in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have accused the state government of sending them into combat with inferior weapons, leaving them badly exposed as armed groups intensify attacks across rural communities.

The vigilantes also alleged that suspected informants within affected communities have been providing terrorists with intelligence about their movements and positions, making it increasingly difficult for local security groups to repel attacks.

The allegations followed a fresh wave of attacks across the Konkoso and Kabe wards of Borgu between September 18 and 22, during which at least 12 people were reportedly killed, including eight vigilantes and four civilians.

More than 40 people, mostly vigilantes, were also reportedly injured in the attacks and are receiving treatment at Babanna Primary Health Centre, Zongoji Primary Health Centre and Pissa health facilities, according to a security update obtained by SaharaReporters.

A vigilante who spoke to SaharaReporters on Thursday evening said local fighters were being sent into battles against heavily armed terrorists without adequate weapons or ammunition.

“We are being sent into dangerous operations with inferior weapons. The terrorists have sophisticated firearms and enough ammunition, while many of us are given weapons that cannot match theirs. This is why our men are being killed,” he said.

He added, “The government cannot expect us to defeat terrorists when we are poorly equipped. We are the ones entering the villages and confronting these attackers, but we do not have the weapons, ammunition or protective equipment needed for the job.”

The vigilante said the fighters were often forced to confront the terrorists despite knowing that they were at a serious disadvantage.

“We know the terrorists are better armed than us, but we still go because we cannot abandon our communities. We are trying to protect our people, but the government is sending us into battle almost empty-handed,” he said.

He also alleged that suspected informants within the communities were passing information about vigilante operations to the terrorists.

“We strongly suspect that some people in the communities are giving information to the terrorists. Before we reach certain locations, the attackers already know that we are coming. They know our routes, our positions and sometimes even the number of men in our team,” he said.

According to him, the suspected informants are making it easier for the terrorists to ambush vigilantes.

“There have been situations where the terrorists disappeared before we arrived, only to return after we had left. This shows that someone is informing them about our movements. Without information from inside the communities, they would not know so much about our operations,” he alleged.

The vigilante called for an investigation into the suspected flow of information to the terrorists.

“The authorities must investigate these informants. If people are giving the terrorists information, they are helping them to kill our men and attack civilians. We cannot continue to lose people because the terrorists are receiving information from within the communities,” he said.

According to the security update, eight local vigilante commanders were among those killed in the attacks between September 18 and 22.

The vigilante said the deaths had severely weakened the local security structure.

“The people killed were experienced commanders. They were not just ordinary members of the vigilante groups. They were the men leading operations, organising patrols and guiding others during attacks,” he said.

He added, “When eight commanders are killed within a few days, it creates a serious gap. The younger members become afraid, and the communities lose the people who understand the terrain and know how to respond to the terrorists.”

The source said the deaths had also affected the morale of the vigilantes.

“Our men are frightened because they know that they may be sent into another operation without proper weapons. Many are asking how they can continue fighting when their commanders are being killed and the government is not providing enough support,” he said.

He said several other vigilantes sustained serious gunshot injuries during the encounters and were taken to health facilities in Babanna, Zongoji and Pissa.

“More than 40 people were injured, and most of them are vigilantes. Some have serious gunshot wounds. They are receiving treatment, but many of them still need urgent medical attention and support,” he said.

The vigilante also described the humanitarian impact of the attacks on residents.

“People are abandoning their homes because they are afraid. Many residents are hiding in the bushes, while others are moving to safer communities. They do not know when the terrorists will return or which village will be attacked next,” he said.

He added, “The situation is becoming unbearable. Farmers cannot go to their farms; traders cannot move freely and families are living in fear. The government must act before more communities are completely deserted.”

The latest attacks reportedly occurred amid continuing security concerns in Borgu, where communities have suffered repeated attacks and mass abductions in recent months.

In August, terrorists attacked several communities in the local government area during Juma’at prayers, with scores of worshippers abducted and some later reported killed. The attacks triggered protests and renewed calls for stronger security measures in the area.

On September 21, residents of Borgu and neighbouring Agwara local government areas blocked the Mokwa-New Bussa Road to protest persistent attacks and demand greater government intervention.

Security forces have also continued operations in the area. The military recently said troops operating around Borgu had neutralised terrorists and recovered weapons, while also conducting operations to clear explosive devices planted along roads in Borgu and neighbouring areas.

However, the latest attacks suggest that the security challenge remains acute in some rural communities.

The security update said the armed group involved in the latest attacks reportedly moved towards Sabon Ilorin, where another attack was feared or had reportedly commenced as of September 22.

It said the security situation remained “highly tense”, with residents fleeing affected communities and seeking safety in surrounding bushes.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS