Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has directed security agencies to intensify operations across the state, declaring that criminal groups will no longer be allowed to operate freely in any community.
The governor urged security agencies to deny criminals freedom of movement by increasing patrols, dismantling forest hideouts and strengthening surveillance across border communities vulnerable to kidnappings, banditry and infiltration.
He gave the directive on Thursday during a meeting of the State Security Council held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Bauchi, where he warned that the state must respond decisively to emerging security threats.
He charged the military, police and other security agencies to sustain coordinated operations and extend recent successes recorded in Alkaleri, Ningi, Ganjuwa and Toro Local Government Areas to other parts of the state.
According to him, security forces must take the fight directly to criminal hideouts in forests and border communities.
“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,” the governor said.
Mohammed also warned traditional rulers against harbouring criminals or allocating land to suspicious persons, adding that anyone found aiding illegal activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“No traditional ruler should provide shelter, land or protection for criminals. Anyone found collaborating with them will face the full weight of the law,” he added.
The governor further directed security agencies to increase joint patrols, strengthen surveillance around vulnerable border settlements and dismantle camps used by kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies with improved logistics, technology and additional security infrastructure, including an expanded military presence and more police formations.
He urged security personnel to remain professional and impartial during forthcoming political activities, saying democratic processes must be protected while maintaining law and order across the state.
He commended the Nigerian Army, the police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, vigilante groups and other security operatives for their efforts in combating insecurity.
The governor also commended troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and the 33 Artillery Brigade for intelligence-led operations that dislodged terrorists from Mansur village and nearby enclaves, destroyed their camps and neutralised several notorious criminal elements.
He said the operation had enabled thousands of displaced residents to return safely to their ancestral communities.
Mohammed also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and the Service Chiefs for supporting security operations in Bauchi State.
Despite the recent gains, the governor warned that security agencies must not become complacent, noting 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,” Mohammed said.
Gov Bala Mohammed directs military, police to dismantle kidnappers’ camps across Bauchi