Niger State Government in North Central Nigeria is partnering with the Nigeria Army in training and support of security outfits in its effort to wipe out banditry activities bedevilling parts of the State.
The State Governor, Àbubakar Ssni Bello, stated this during an official visit by the General Officer Commanding 1 Mechanized Infantry Division of the Nigeria Army, Major General Hamisu Ali Keffi to Niger State on Wednesday.
The Governor who appreciated efforts of the security agencies in the fight against banditry in the State, said from his discussions with the GOC, they have agreed to provide more men and equipment to support the effort of the local security agencies.
“Now that we have a new leadership in the country’s armed forces, it is fair to give them time to reorganize their strategies and come up with an operational plan.
“The situation now calls for cooperation between the state and the federal government with each making tremendous effort on its part to achieve a desired aim”, he said.
Complimentary role
Governor Bello, further said his government is beefing up local security outfits in the state to compliment the efforts of conventional security agents in tackling the insecurity in some parts of the State.
“The local security agencies have been over-stretched and overwhelmed because of the size of the State and the manpower deficit.
“We’ve discussed with the GOC on how the Army can come up with plans to support the efforts of the local security agencies”, he added.
Niger State has recently been engulfed with resurgence of kidnapping, rustling and other forms of banditry activities including alleged presence of boko haram insurgents in parts of the state.
Nneka Ukachukwu
