Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has vowed that his administration is fully prepared to take decisive action against bandits and their collaborators.
The governor made the statement on Thursday in a video shared by Gaskiya News Hausa, where he cautioned bandits, their informants, and those providing them shelter to expose themselves or face serious consequences.
Bago’s remarks followed his recent visit to Borgu Local Government Area, where he met with the Emir to discuss the growing impact of insecurity on education and farming in the area.
He revealed that the state had secured backing from the Federal Government and international partners to intensify efforts against criminal groups. According to him, banditry has severely disrupted schooling and agricultural activities, setting the state back.
“I am warning everyone—by God, we are ready and we have begun. With the support we’ve received from the Federal Government and our foreign partners, we will take the necessary action,” he said.
The governor noted that he had earlier addressed residents in Borgu but sensed they did not take his warning seriously. He stressed that the situation had now changed and authorities would act firmly.
He called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information and avoiding any form of support for criminals.
“Do not hide them or their informants in your homes or forests. Give us information, and we will act,” he urged.
Bago also disclosed that the government had deployed surveillance technology to track communications linked to criminal activities. He warned that anyone found to be in contact with bandits or individuals on a wanted list would be treated as an accomplice.
He further stated that informants identified during ongoing operations would be dealt with, adding that he was ready to take responsibility for actions taken in the course of restoring security.
The governor reiterated that insecurity has discouraged students from attending boarding schools and disrupted farming, emphasizing the urgent need to restore peace across the state.
