Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has directed security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups and dismantle kidnappers’ camps across the state.
The governor gave the order on Thursday during a State Security Council meeting held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Bauchi, where he warned that criminals would no longer be allowed to operate freely in any part of the state.
Mohammed urged the military, police and other security agencies to increase patrols, strengthen surveillance and target forest hideouts and border communities vulnerable to kidnappings, banditry and infiltration.
He charged security operatives to extend recent successes recorded in Alkaleri, Ningi, Ganjuwa and Toro Local Government Areas to other parts of the state through coordinated operations.
The governor said security forces must take the fight directly to criminal camps and ensure that residents can live and carry out their activities without fear.
“We must ensure that every criminal element is flushed out of Bauchi State so that our people can live in peace and carry out their legitimate activities without fear,” he said.
Mohammed also warned traditional rulers against providing shelter, land or protection to criminals, stressing that anyone found aiding illegal activities would face the full weight of the law.
He directed security agencies to increase joint patrols, improve intelligence gathering and dismantle camps used by kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.
The governor pledged his administration’s continued support to security agencies through improved logistics, technology and additional infrastructure, including expanded military presence and more police formations.
He also urged security personnel to remain professional and impartial during political activities, noting that democratic processes must be protected while maintaining law and order.
Mohammed commended the Nigerian Army, police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, vigilante groups and other security operatives for their efforts in tackling insecurity.
He specifically praised troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and the 33 Artillery Brigade for intelligence-led operations that reportedly dislodged terrorists from Mansur village and surrounding areas, destroyed their camps and neutralised several criminal elements.
According to the governor, the operations have enabled thousands of displaced residents to return to their ancestral communities.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and service chiefs for supporting security operations in Bauchi State.
However, Mohammed cautioned security agencies against complacency, warning that criminal groups displaced from neighbouring states were attempting to infiltrate Bauchi.
“This is not the time to relax. We must continue to strengthen our operations and ensure that criminals have no place to hide anywhere in Bauchi State,” he added.
I can also make it shorter in a typical Daily Post Nigeria breaking news style if needed.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.