Block escape routes of terrorists, Senate tells military

The Senate on Wednesday urged the military and other security agencies to closely monitor and block the escape routes used by bandits and fleeing terrorists to forestall their relocation to safe havens in other parts of the country.

It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency to provide food and other livelihood support amenities to affected villages and those internally displaced in Mariga, Mashegu, Kontagora and Borgu Local Government Areas in Niger North Senatorial District.

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The resolutions followed a motion on “Renewed kidnappings and Banditry Attacks on Communities in Mariga, Mashegu, Kontagora and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger North Senatorial District.”

The Deputy Whip, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC, Niger), who sponsored the motion, said following the massive onslaught against criminal elements and bandits operating in eastern parts of Sokoto State and Zamfara, there was a massive movement of these escaping bandits into Niger State.

He suggested that the military onslaught against terrorists be comprehensive enough to close the various paths that give the bandits and fleeing terrorists’ access to safe havens in various parts of Niger State.