Niger State Governor calls for expansion of security agencies

The Niger State Governor, Northcentral Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has called on the Federal government to expand the workforce of the nation’s security agencies due to the current resurgence of banditry and other forms of insecurity bedevilling parts of the country.

The Governor stated this on Monday during a visit by members of the National Assembly to the state government on the recent abduction incidence in the state.

Governor Sani Bello further mentioned that the country’s security formations have been overstretched due to the large population and size of the country.

He said the challenges of curtailing insecurity has been very difficult due to a shortage of manpower and equipment.

“The strength of the Nigerian police in Niger state as a whole is not more than 4,000 as against 14,000 and that makes it difficult for effective coverage of the entire state.” Governor Bello said.

He added that there is an urgent need for the use of technology by the Military and other security agencies in managing security effectively.

“I hope we can work together to support the federal government so that it can do the needful in statuary budget provision to acquire the necessary equipment needed for security operations.” He said.

Meanwhile, the leader of the National Assembly delegation and the chief whip of the senate, Senator Sa’abi  Abdullahi, while congratulating the Governor for safely securing the NSTA victims, further said they were in the state to show their solidarity and support to the government and people of Niger State on the unfortunate issue that occurred days ago.

The Lawmaker said their visit is to identify with the government and people of Niger state, adding that it is a solemn period and of great shock not just for the Governor and his cabinet but the entire people of the state and the country as a whole.

“The incidences in the last few weeks have no doubt shook the foundation of the state and the period calls for prayers, it calls for very strong introspection so that we can actually identify the problems and find lasting solutions to them,” he added.

Members of the delegation of the National Assembly members from Niger state that visited the Governor include Sa’abi Abdullahi, Sen. Sani Musa, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, Honourable. Shehu Bawa Beji, Hon. Saidu Mohammed, Hon. Usman Abdullahi, Hon.  Jafaru Mohammed, and Hon. Mamud Mohammed.

Zainab   Sa’id