Residents of Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State were thrown into panic after a group of youths allegedly attempted to disarm soldiers enforcing a night curfew in the area.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 10:35 p.m. on March 10 in New Bussa when troops of the 221 Battalion from Wawa Cantonment were conducting a routine patrol to enforce the curfew imposed by the Borgu Local Government authorities.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the soldiers had intercepted some motorcycles around the Correctional Service Office area during the patrol.
However, the situation quickly turned tense when some youths in the vicinity reportedly became aggressive. The youths allegedly began throwing stones at the soldiers and attempted to struggle with them in a bid to snatch a rifle from one of the troops.
In response, the soldiers fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. The youths immediately fled the scene after the shots were fired.
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Authorities said the curfew was recently introduced by the Borgu Local Government chairman following growing security concerns in the area, including rising incidents of night-time disturbances, criminal activities, and clashes involving local youths.
The curfew, which restricts movement during late-night hours, was put in place to restore order, prevent crime, and allow security agencies to maintain peace in the community.
The Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service later reported the incident to the police.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in New Bussa mobilised additional security personnel to the area, but the youths had already dispersed before their arrival.
Community leaders, including the village head, were later invited and cautioned to maintain peace and ensure residents avoid confrontations with security personnel enforcing the curfew.
Security authorities confirmed that no arrests were made and no injuries were recorded, while military personnel continued their patrol operations in the area to ensure compliance with the curfew.
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