Federal lawmaker Jafaru Mohammad Ali Damisa, representing Borgu and Agwara Federal Constituency, narrowly survived an ambush by suspected terrorists who attacked his convoy on Tuesday.
The violent assault occurred along the Lumma–Babanna road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, as the legislator was heading to Babanna for an official visit.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, locally identified as Lakurawa terrorists, opened fire without warning, leaving the convoy in disarray.
According to reports, the attackers struck in broad daylight, taking the lawmaker’s security team by surprise.
Armed escorts immediately returned fire, engaging the gunmen in a fierce shootout that lasted several minutes.
Tragically, one soldier attached to the convoy lost his life during the exchange, while several others sustained severe gunshot wounds.
Some of Damisa’s political supporters were also injured and have since been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
A local source who witnessed the attack told reporters that the gunmen “fired sporadically from multiple directions,” damaging vehicles and scattering the convoy.
At least eleven vehicles were reported riddled with bullets before security reinforcements arrived at the scene.
Confirming the incident, a security official who spoke anonymously said the lawmaker was fortunate to escape unhurt.
“It was a coordinated ambush, but his escorts acted quickly. Sadly, we lost one officer in the line of duty,” the source said.
In a brief statement, Damisa expressed gratitude for surviving the attack and consoled the family of the slain soldier.
“It was a terrifying experience, but I thank God for protection. My prayers are with the brave officer who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
Security forces have since launched a manhunt for the assailants believed to be operating in the Lumma–Babanna axis, an area notorious for recent bandit activity.
Authorities have also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
AFRIPOST reports that the latest incident adds to growing concerns over the resurgence of terrorist violence in Niger State and the escalating risks faced by public officials and travelers across Nigeria’s northern highways.