By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has expressed worrisome with the security threats facing parts of the the country which, he argued, ranges from banditry, kidnapping, to cross-border criminal incursions, illegal mining, and malicious misinformation, saying the threats are no longer isolated incidents.
“This administration has zero tolerance for illegal mining activities, which serve as a primary breeding ground for banditry and syndicates of criminals. I direct the military, army, the Nigerian army, and relevant security bodies to deal decisively with anyone sabotaging our economy through illegal mining”.
Declaring opened the 3rd State Security Council meeting in Bauchi Thursday, the governor noted that the threats are highly mobile, adaptive, interconnected, and driven by complex networks, as he called for their crush through dynamic, seamless, yielding and common approach, expressing gratitude for the gallantry of the state security forces.
He said however that through the dedication of security agencies, the state has recorded monumental operational successes in dismantling criminal networks within Alkaleri, Ningi, Ganjuwa, two local government areas, among others However, stressing however that the jobs are far from finished.
Senator Bala Mohammed therefore directed all security agencies in Bauchi state to intensify coordinated ground operations and robust patrols, to replicate the successes of Alkaleri across every single vulnerable community in the state.
He told the security council members that comprised All heads of security agencies in the state and the emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu that, “We must deny these criminals freedom of movement, smoke them out, and systematically crush their hideouts within our forest reserves and border communities.
On traditional institution, the governor said, “To our revered traditional rulers assembled here today, without you there is no effective governance. You are the bedrock of our grassroots community architecture, and your partnership is indispensable to sustaining peace”
Governor Bala therefore tasked traditional authorities in the state to be aggressively proactive in early warning system deployment, local intelligence gathering, and peaceful mediation of land, family, and communal disputes before they escalate into violence.
He warned that any traditional ruler, community leader or local government council officer found bypassing due process to illegally allocate land, harbor or shield suspicious characters, or facilitate unauthorized access to local mining sites will face immediate legal sanctions and removal from office.
“We will not allow the greed or negligence of a few to jeopardize the safety of millions. As a responsible government, we are fully prepared to back our directive with tangible resources. No individual, regardless of his status, power, or family ties to governance, be spared if found complicit”.
Mohammed assured that his administration will continue to provide the necessary logistics, vehicles, communication equipment, and tactical support to ensure the security forces commissions function optimally.
“Every single kobo of the security interventions provided to the state, including federal funding allocations, will be utilized strictly and transparently for its intended security purposes to safeguard our dear people”.
He believed that the ultimate mechanism to guarantee lasting peace and robust nationwide security is supplementary local policing, operating hand in hand with federal authorities, that will provide the comprehensive, localized coverage needed to secure our vast terrain effectively”.
The Governor charged security agencies to discharge their constitutional duties with the highest levels of fairness, neutrality, and professional integrity, with policing and military intervention remaining blind to political or tribal affiliations.
“This administration has zero tolerance for illegal mining activities, which serve as a primary breeding ground for banditry and syndicates of criminals. I direct the military, army, the Nigerian army, and relevant security bodies to deal decisively with anyone sabotaging our economy through illegal mining”.
He appreciated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Army High Command, for not just approving the establishment of two new battalions at Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa, but in the speed with which battalions have taken off with the deployment of the required personnel.
Governor Bala similarly appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Council, Vice Chancellor, and Management of ATBU for allowing the use of its facility at Tafawa Balewa to temporarily house the new battalion in the Tafawa Balewa town, as well as the Bauchi Artillery brigade for ensuring that of Alkaleri is taking off to a smooth formation.
He added, “The State Commissioner of Police chairs the joint security operational structure, and our expectation is that he will continue to provide leadership and guidance to all other agencies, even while they falter in the discharge of their responsibilities”.
Mohammed also urged the state citizens to recognize that security is a shared responsibility, they should therefore reject political rumors, misinformation, and divisive narrative that only serve the agenda of criminals, and appealed to the public to support law enforcement agencies by providing them credible, timely, and actionable information and collaboration.
“Security is the lifeblood of any organized society, and no meaningful socio-economic development can ever take place in an environment of chaos and lawlessness. While Bauchi still remains relatively peaceful compared to some of our neighbors, we cannot afford the luxury of complacency”, he concluded.
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