President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued fresh directives to the nation’s security chiefs to intensify and reinforce operations in Alkaleri Local Government Area and other affected parts of Bauchi State, as part of renewed efforts to curb banditry and related criminal activities.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, made this known to State House Correspondents on Friday after a meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja, amid growing concerns over escalating bandit attacks across the state.
The Governor described the President’s response as “Very positive,” noting that clear directives have already been given to security agencies, which are currently undertaking heightened operations in states such as Kwara and Niger, particularly in areas characterised by ungoverned spaces, dense forests and persistent banditry.
“He has already given directives and they are doing a lot of activities in Kwara, Niger, something akin to what we have, some ungoverned spaces, forests, banditry and what have you.”
“But certainly our own, we are trying to seek for opportunity for the governors that are contiguous to that forest. That is that of Taraba, Plateau, Gombe and myself to have some summit and with the aid of the security agencies to erase this situation once and for all.
“Because we cannot afford it, Bauchi has enjoyed a lot of peace for the last 10 years and this is coming at a time when there is a lot of interest in our investment and they are coming to an economic area where we have that traces of oil and gas possibilities, a lot of mining activities and so we cannot afford that bad development.” Governor Bala added.
He further revealed that efforts are underway to foster collaboration among governors whose states share contiguous forest boundaries, including Taraba, Plateau, Gombe, and Bauchi, with a view to convening a joint security summit.
“The situation of insecurity in my local government Alkaleri of Bauchi state where some bandits have become so emboldened and they have taken over so many ungoverned spaces there coming out from the Daji Dam and we have been having some sporadic clashes and schemiches with them, with the security agencies but it would appear that the security agencies and all of us are overwhelmed and the situation is escalating to a level where it will become a big humanitarian crisis.
“Because out of fear and paranoid, most of the inhabitants are running to other states and other local governments at this time of fasting and that’s why i visited there with the head of security agencies saw the situation and sought for special presidential intervention and we know him to be somebody that is very serious with security.
“Without any prior appointment i only prayed with him and he saw me immediately and of course i’m even proceeding to other very senior security officers under NSA and the rest who would do the needful.” He explained.
According to Governor Mohammed, the proposed summit, to be held in partnership with security agencies, will focus on harmonising strategies, strengthening intelligence-sharing, and coordinating operations aimed at decisively eliminating criminal activities within the affected forest corridors.
Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed reiterated his strong support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step toward strengthening internal security and reducing the burden on the Federal Government.
Mohammed emphasised that his administration has consistently backed the proposal, noting that state policing would enhance responsiveness and accountability at the subnational level, despite its financial demands.
“We are very ready and we have always supported state police because it will reduce the burden on the federal government and it will make us more responsive and more responsible as state governors, although it is expensive.
“But certainly it is something that must be done because security of life and property is the main thing that you can provide. I have seen the importance of security in my state because we have had a lot of security, good situation where some micro and macroeconomic activities are going on and it has really raised the GDP of my state.” Governor Bala added.