Niger State Governor Umar Bago has vowed that his administration is fully prepared to confront bandits and their collaborators, issuing stern warnings to those aiding criminal activities.
In a video released on Thursday, March 19, by Gaskiya News Hausa, Bago urged bandits, their informants, and anyone sheltering them to reveal their identities to security agencies immediately.
The governor’s remarks came during a visit to Borgu Local Government Area, where he consulted with the Emir regarding the disruption of farming and educational activities caused by banditry.
Bago disclosed that the state government has received support from the federal government and international partners to intensify operations against terrorists.
Highlighting the toll of insecurity on agriculture and education, the governor said, “I’m warning you all, I swear to God Almighty, we are now fully ready to confront bandits and we have started.
“We have gotten enough support from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the foreign governments to do the needful.
“I was in Borgu three days ago and I told them but they thought I was joking. But the way and manner I spoke to them, they should understand that it is no longer business as usual.”
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Bago also appealed to residents to collaborate with security agencies by providing information on bandits and their informants.
He revealed that the state government has deployed technology capable of monitoring communications linked to criminal activity and pledged personal accountability for actions taken against informants during operations.
“Don’t hide them, don’t hide informants or any suspects in your houses and forests. Give us information and we will pick them up.
“Niger State’s agriculture and education have been hampered. Students no longer attend boarding schools and this has drawn us backwards.
“For the informants present here, we have gadgets capable of tracking and monitoring your calls and if we discover you spoke or were in communication with bandits or anyone on our wanted list, we would add you to the list of wanted bandits and informants.
“If any informant goes missing, I, Bago, am responsible for their disappearance. I swear to Almighty God to hold me responsible. If you know any informants and you are here, I, Bago, will hunt you down,” he warned.