Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, has strongly denounced the killing of Nigerian soldiers in an ambush in Mariga Local Government Area, labelling the act as “heartless” and a direct threat to regional security.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday in the communities of Kwanan Dutse and Gulbin Boka, resulted in the deaths of several military personnel stationed to protect the area.
In a statement delivered on Wednesday in Minna, Sarkindaji lamented the incident as a national tragedy and a personal loss for his constituents. “This is a devastating blow not only to our armed forces but to every family in Mariga that relies on their presence for safety,” he said.
He highlighted that the dual assault on military bases represented an escalation in violence and a deliberate effort to destabilise the region. “Our entire constituency is under siege. These actions are calculated to demoralise the military and pave the way for criminals to carry out their operations unchecked,” Sarkindaji warned.
He stressed that the armed groups responsible for the attacks often come from neighbouring states, using the area’s porous borders to their advantage.
The Speaker commended the courage of the fallen soldiers and called on the military not to relent in their pursuit of security. “This is not the time to retreat. We stand with our armed forces, and we expect that the perpetrators of this vile act will be tracked down and brought to justice,” he added.
Sarkindaji reaffirmed the Niger State government’s continued support for military and security agencies, pledging resources and political backing to ensure a swift response to the crisis.
He concluded by urging residents to remain vigilant and united in the face of mounting security challenges, stating that “only through resilience and cooperation can peace be restored.”
