Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has ruled out any negotiations or ransom payments to bandits, declaring that residents must take responsibility for defending their communities. During a visit to Rijau and Magama local government areas, recently hit by attacks from bandits in Kontagora, he insisted that paying ransom only fuels more kidnappings and deepens insecurity.
Bago stated that the state was effectively at war and urged collective resistance. He emphasised that citizens have a constitutional right to defend their lives and property, warning that surrendering to criminal groups would only worsen the crisis.
Describing the repeated invasions and displacement of residents as shameful, he announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members into the Joint Task Force to boost security operations across the state.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor also imposed a total ban on mining activities in Zone C, which includes Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara. He said illegal mining was fuelling insecurity, noting that miners move freely through forests where ordinary residents are frequently attacked.
Bago directed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining. He further promised government support for victims, including compensation for families of the dead, medical aid for the injured, and assistance for those who lost their livelihoods.
