The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has issued a stern directive to residents to take up self-defense in response to escalating bandit attacks across the state. He firmly declared that his administration will neither negotiate with nor pay ransom to the criminals, warning that such actions only embolden bandits and worsen insecurity.Governor Bago made the announcement during condolence visits to communities in Rijau and Magama local government areas recently besieged by banditry.
He described the situation as a “state of war” requiring collective resistance and emphasized the constitutional right of citizens to protect their lives and property.
“We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that,” Bago stated, stressing the critical need for community participation in security efforts.
In a bid to strengthen security, the governor revealed plans to recruit and train 10,000 personnel for the state’s Joint Task Force (JTF), with immediate commencement of recruitment.
Furthermore, he announced a total ban on all mining activities in Zone C of Niger State—comprising eight local government areas including Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, and others—citing illegal mining as a significant contributor to insecurity. He highlighted the suspicious fact that miners move freely in forest areas notorious for bandit attacks, while the bandits leave them untouched.Governor Bago has mandated the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone involved in illegal mining activities in the region.
He also assured victims of recent assaults of government support, including compensation for families of the deceased, medical care for the injured, and assistance for those displaced or whose livelihoods were destroyed during the attacks.
Describing the recurring violence and displacement of residents as “embarrassing and unacceptable,” Governor Bago called for unity and resilience in combating the persistent threat to peace and security in Niger State.
