Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has pledged to collaborate with the armed forces to check activities of armed bandits in forests across the state.
The governor was speaking at the occasion of camp highland battle inoculation of six hundred and thirty-one army cadets held at the Nigerian Army Camp Dogon Fadama, Kontagora.
Governor Sani Bello who explained that Niger State has large forests which have become hideouts for bandits emphasized the need for joint military exercises in Forrests across the state to reduce banditry attacks, cattle rustling and kidnapping.
He said his administration is ready to partner security agencies that will want to conduct extensive military exercises in the state.
“I know our resources are lean and I know this is a federal responsibility but because we are deeply in pains and we need to provide succour, it has become necessary that we partner the armed forces to secure our forests, ” he stated.
Governor Sani Bello further explained that provision of enabling the environment for private sector participation will not only create jobs, it will also guarantee security.
“It has become necessary we do the needful by providing security and clearing criminal elements amongst us because all the clamour for investment will not yield a much-needed result if security challenges are not addressed and we need these investments so we can guarantee jobs as every citizen cannot be under government’s employ
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, represented by the Director Military Training Nigeria Defence Academy, (NDA)Brigadier General Victor Onumajuru said the aim of the training is to give the officers the basic experience of tactical manoeuvres carried out in Land operations.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy, (NDA) Major General Adeniyi Oyebade who explained that the ceremony marked the end of the training active ties for the cadets commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support towards the success of the training programme.