Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has ordered security forces to ramp up operations, stating that criminal organizations will no longer be permitted to operate within the state. During a State Security Council meeting on Thursday, the governor emphasized the need to dismantle forest hideouts and increase surveillance along vulnerable border regions to combat kidnapping and banditry.
Mohammed specifically requested that the military and police expand their effective efforts from areas like Alkaleri, Ningi, Ganjuwa, and Toro to the rest of the state. He urged security forces to pursue criminals into their forest sanctuaries, ensuring the safety of all citizens. Furthermore, the governor warned traditional leaders against shielding or providing land to suspicious individuals, promising strict legal consequences for any form of collusion.
To support these efforts, the government pledged continued investment in security logistics, technology, and personnel. The governor also praised the recent success of the 33 Artillery Brigade in clearing terrorists from Mansur village, which allowed many displaced residents to return home. While acknowledging support from President Bola Tinubu and federal service chiefs, Mohammed insisted that forces must remain vigilant to prevent criminal groups from neighboring states from infiltrating the region.