Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has commended the efforts of the security agencies in curbing insecurity in some parts of Niger State.
The Chief Press Secretary the governor, Mary Noel-Berje said Sani Bello gave the commendation on Monday when he interacted with media practitioners at the Government House, Minna.
Governor Sani Bello said his colleagues and himself in the front-line states of banditry and kidnapping have been holding meetings to review the modus operandi of the security and military operations.
He maintained that they are ever willing to support the fight against banditry and kidnapping by providing some equipment that will help the operations of the security agencies in the affected states.
Governor Sani Bello who acknowledged that the synergy amongst the security agencies have improved as they were able to repel major attacks in Pandogari and environs recently due to their commitments, encouraged them to do more.
“The security situation is not permanent as some times we get some relief and sometimes we get isolated attacks in the forest areas but the situation is calm in some emirates.
“Overall, we have not yet reached the comfort level, but I can assure you that the security agents are doing their best, they have stepped up their game. They are performing to our expectations”, he added.
The Governor noted that Shiroro, Munya and Rafi still have security issues due to the presence of Boko Haram elements which he disclosed some months ago.
He, however, assured that his administration will continue to engage the security agencies to come up with better strategies to address insecurity, adding that the state is working closely with federal authorities to get all the necessary support.
The Governor announced that the rate of cattle rustling in the state has reduced owing to the ability of the security agencies, in collaboration with the state government, to block some of the access routes but that a lot still needs to be done.
He said some of the measures taken by the state government during the recent expanded security meeting was to consider the implementation and activate the collection of cattle tax and development levy, as well as to strengthen traditional institutions so that every village head will be able to account for the people in his domain.
To this end, the Governor said a committee has been set up to be headed by the Chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and Estu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
He described as unfortunate the loss of some security agents in the line of duty while many of them are also injured which, he said, will not deter the fight against the criminal elements.
According to the Governor, “I am very confident that, with the measure put in place, Niger State will go back to its known status ” of being one of the most peaceful states in the country”.
On the kidnap of some travellers around Zungeru some weeks back, the Governor said “We haven’t heard anything more with regards to that incident but I know there is a special tactical team from the office of the Inspector General of Police, investigating the matter “.
Speaking on youths’ restiveness within the state capital in recent times, Governor Sani Bello decried the inability of some parents to have control over their children.
He said the use of drugs have also been identified as a contributing factor responsible for the restiveness pointing out that government has asked the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to look into the issue with the view to addressing it.
The Governor said some arrests have been made and more will be arrested. He advised parents to provide parental guide to their children, otherwise, those found wanting will face the wrath of the law.
“It’s unfortunate that this is happening. I expect parents to be more active when it comes to giving parental guidance to their children but if they don’t, the law will take its course.
“This is something we are taking very seriously and I have directed the security agencies to take necessary steps to address the situation”, he said.
