Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has issued a strong directive to residents to defend themselves against bandit attacks, declaring that his administration will neither negotiate with nor pay ransom to kidnappers.
The governor made this statement during a visit to Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, whose communities were recently attacked by armed bandits in Kontagora.
“The state has reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves because ransom will only turn kidnapping into a thriving business,” Bago said.
“I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and continue kidnapping people. The situation has reached a state of war that requires collective resistance.”
Bago stressed that self-defense is a constitutional right, urging residents to resist criminals and protect their communities from repeated invasions.
“We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that. There is no going back,” he added.
10,000 Joint Task Force Members to Be Recruited
Describing the frequent invasions and displacements as “embarrassing and unacceptable,” the governor announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members into the Joint Task Force (JTF) to reinforce security operations across the state.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the initiative aims to improve local intelligence gathering and support the military and police in tackling rural banditry.
Ban on Mining in Eight Local Governments
Governor Bago also declared a total ban on all mining activities in Zone C of the state, which includes Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara Local Government Areas.
He explained that illegal mining has become a key driver of insecurity, with miners allegedly gaining access to forest zones unharmed while ordinary citizens face constant attacks.
“It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them,” Bago said. “I have now ordered the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining activities.”
Bago’s Zero-Tolerance Stance on Banditry
The governor reiterated that his government’s position on security is non-negotiable, warning that anyone aiding bandit activities—directly or indirectly—will face prosecution.
Bago’s administration has continued to adopt community defense strategies, including strengthening local vigilante groups and increasing military presence in affected areas.
He further reassured residents of government’s determination to restore peace, saying Niger State “will never surrender to criminal elements.”
