We Are Fully Ready to Confront Bandits and Their Informants – Niger Gov Declares
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has declared that his administration is prepared to confront bandits and their informants.
The governor made the statement on Thursday in a video published by Gaskiya News Hausa, warning bandits, their informants, and anyone harbouring them to reveal themselves to security agencies.
According to The PUNCH, Governor Bago visited Borgu Local Government Area, where he met with the emir to discuss the disruption of schooling and farming activities caused by banditry.
He disclosed that his government has received support from the Federal Government and international partners to strengthen operations against the criminals.
“The insecurity has severely affected education and agriculture in our state. Banditry has disrupted schools and farms, setting Niger State back,” he said.
“I’m warning you all, I swear to God Almighty, we are fully ready to confront bandits, and the operation has already begun. We have received sufficient support from the Federal Government and foreign partners to take necessary action.
“I visited Borgu three days ago to communicate this, but some thought I was joking. Let me make it clear: it is no longer business as usual,” he added.
Governor Bago urged residents to cooperate by providing information on bandits and informants instead of harbouring them. He stressed that technology is now in place to monitor communications linked to criminal activities.
“Do not hide bandits or informants in your homes or forests. Share information with us, and we will act. Our agriculture and education sectors have been hampered; students are unable to attend boarding schools, and the state has suffered setbacks.
“For informants, we have the tools to track and monitor communications. Anyone found in contact with bandits or on our wanted list will be added to the list of wanted individuals.
“If any informant goes missing, I, Bago, take full responsibility. I swear to Almighty God to hold myself accountable. If you know of any informants, I will ensure they are found,” he warned.
