…intensify crackdown on criminal hideouts

Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has declared that every criminal element across the state will be forced out of operation in order to allow residents to have peace.

The Governor therefore directed security agencies to sustain joint operations against criminal elements, warning that renewed threats require coordinated action to protect lives, property and vulnerable communities across the state.

The Governor gave the directive while presiding over a meeting of the State Security Council, held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office on Thursday.

Bala Mohammed instructed security forces to replicate the recent successes recorded in Alkaleri, Ningi, Ganjuwa, Toro and other affected local government areas through intensified patrols and coordinated ground operations across the state.

He 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.

The Governor warned traditional rulers against harbouring criminals, allocating land to suspicious persons or facilitating illegal activities, stressing that offenders would face sanctions in accordance with the provisions of the law.

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He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies through improved logistics, technology, expanded military presence and additional police stations, while encouraging stronger collaboration with communities and traditional institutions across the state.

The Governor further urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial during forthcoming political activities, ensuring adequate protection for citizens, political parties and democratic processes while maintaining peace and public order across the state.

The Governor praised the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups and other security operatives for their gallantry and coordinated efforts.

He 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 surrounding enclaves, dismantled their camps and neutralised several high-profile criminal elements.

According to him, the operation also paved the way for thousands of displaced residents to safely return to their ancestral communities.

Bala Mohammed expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and the Service Chiefs for supporting the operations that resulted in the military successes.

Despite the gains recorded, the Governor warned that security agencies must not relax, noting that criminal groups displaced from neighbouring states are finding their way into the state.

He also ordered increased joint patrols, intelligence-driven operations and aggressive clearance of criminal hideouts in forests, rural communities and border settlements to deny criminals freedom of movement.

Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing logistics, operational support and improved infrastructure for security agencies to strengthen the fight against insecurity across the state.