Governor Bago’s Bold Security Moves
Governor Umaru Bago has taken several steps to address insecurity in Niger State, including calls for increased security deployment, equipment support, and regional cooperation.
On 6 June 2023, during his first year in office, Bago visited the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja, where he called for additional security personnel in Niger State.
Since then, he has repeatedly urged the Federal Government, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and adopt practical measures against insecurity. He has called for more police personnel and hardware, saying Niger State is working with security agencies to neutralize terrorists and secure ungoverned spaces.
The governor also proposed Forward Operating Bases at strategic entry points, particularly Mailaka and Kurege in Mariga Local Government Area, to prevent criminal infiltration.
He supported the recruitment of 25,000 Nigerlites to assist security operations and said the state would not negotiate with bandits or pay ransom. He also announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members of the Joint Task Force.
Bago further banned mining in Zone C, covering Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara, following security advice that mining activities were worsening insecurity. He also inaugurated the North-Central Zonal Office of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Minna and called for stronger regional coordination.
In Kaduna, he joined Northern Governors and traditional rulers in renewed calls for state policing as part of efforts to respond to insecurity in the region. At the meeting, he also backed the idea that each of the 19 Northern states should contribute one billion naira monthly to a Regional Security Trust Fund.
Officials say the governor has also adopted other security measures that cannot be disclosed publicly.
Although the state is not yet free of security challenges, supporters say there has been noticeable improvement. Many of those most affected have praised his efforts, while security agencies have also expressed appreciation for his support.
Hamza Waziri, Coordinator, Press Affairs to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State.
