Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago vows not to negotiate or pay ransom to bandits, announces recruitment of 10,000 joint task force members and a ban on mining in Zone C.
NigerSecurityCrisis deepened as Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago declared that his administration would neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims, urging residents to stand up and defend themselves against rising insecurity.
The governor made the statement during a condolence visit to the people of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, whose communities were recently attacked by bandits in Kontagora.
“We Will Not Negotiate With Bandits”
Governor Bago emphasized that paying ransom would only encourage more kidnappings and worsen insecurity across the state.
“The state has reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves. I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” he said.
He insisted that the Constitution empowers citizens to protect their lives and property, adding that his administration would take all necessary steps to ensure safety.
“We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The Constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that. There is no going back,” the governor maintained.
“This Is a State of War”
Bago described the situation as a “state of war”, condemning the repeated invasions of communities and the displacement of residents.
He said it was embarrassing and unacceptable that peaceful communities could be attacked and their people turned into internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The governor called for collective resistance and urged citizens to unite in defending their communities from criminal elements.
Security Measures and Policy Actions
To strengthen security operations, Governor Bago announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members for a joint task force that will work alongside security agencies to combat banditry.
He also declared a total ban on mining activities in Zone C of the state, citing illegal mining as a major driver of insecurity and criminal infiltration.
Support for Victims of Attacks
Bago pledged government support for victims of the recent attacks, including:
- Compensation for families of those killed
- Medical treatment for the injured
- Assistance for residents who lost their livelihoods
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that no community in Niger State remains vulnerable to bandit attacks.