ABUJA, Nigeria (FN)— Nigeria’s House of Representatives has condemned a deadly ambush on the convoy of Rep. Jafaru Mohammed Ali, in which six soldiers were killed during a constituency visit in Niger State.
The attack occurred Tuesday near Kuble community along the Babanna road, close to the entrance of Kainji National Park. The lawmaker, who represents Agwara/Borgu Federal Constituency, was traveling for a routine engagement when the convoy came under heavy gunfire from more than 50 armed assailants.
Security sources said the soldiers, deployed to protect the lawmaker, were leading the convoy when they were fatally struck. Several other personnel and civilians sustained injuries in the assault, which has been described as one of the most brazen in the region this year. While the exact number of security operatives in the convoy has not been disclosed, officials confirmed that the team included multiple armed escorts and support vehicles.
The House of Representatives issued a statement mourning the fallen operatives and condemning the attack “in the strongest terms.” Lawmakers emphasized the risks elected officials face while attempting to reach remote communities and deliver on their mandates.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need to strengthen security architecture in vulnerable areas,” the statement read. “We mourn the loss of these brave soldiers who paid the ultimate price in service to our democracy.”
President Bola Tinubu, through his spokesperson, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling the slain soldiers “heroes of the republic.” He pledged that the federal government would intensify efforts to secure border communities and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago also paid tribute, describing the attack as “a painful reminder of the sacrifices made daily by our security forces.” He called for a coordinated crackdown on armed groups operating in the region and reaffirmed his administration’s support for federal security initiatives.
Civil society organizations, including the Centre for Democracy and Development, urged the government to prioritize intelligence-led operations and community engagement. “This is not just a security failure—it’s a governance challenge,” said CDD Director Idayat Hassan.
Similar incidents have occurred globally. In India, militants ambushed a convoy in Kashmir in 2020, killing a politician and his security detail. In Pakistan, a suicide bomber targeted a provincial lawmaker’s convoy in Peshawar in 2013, resulting in multiple deaths. Mexico has also seen frequent attacks on political candidates, with bodyguards often among the casualties. These cases reflect a troubling international pattern: security personnel assigned to protect public officials are increasingly vulnerable in volatile regions.
Military authorities have launched an investigation and pledged to intensify patrols in the affected zone. No group has claimed responsibility for the ambush, though officials suspect bandits operating in the Borgu axis.
The incident has reignited debate over the safety of lawmakers and the adequacy of security escorts in high-risk zones. As the nation mourns the fallen soldiers, pressure is mounting on federal authorities to deliver swift justice and prevent further attacks on public officials and their aides.
