In the wake of a deadly bandit attack in Mansur, Alkaleri local government area, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has ordered the immediate recruitment of 2,100 state security operatives.
He also vowed to confront the criminal elements in the forest himself if the need arises.
LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that bandits ambushed vigilantes who were members of the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria while on a routine patrol in Mansur a couple of days ago killing over 20.
Also, the attacks, which struck the communities of Mansur, Gwana, Duguri and Yelwa Duguri sent shock waves to the residents and prompted swift action from the state government and security agencies.
“Nigeria has been invaded through our own area. Unfortunately, that is where I come from,” Governor Mohammed said during a condolence visit to the affected communities in Duguri.
“This period is a test. Despite their superior firepower, our people stood firm. Over 60 bandits were neutralised in a fierce battle.”
Flanked by local leaders and security officials, the governor praised the heroism of local vigilantes and announced an aggressive plan to bolster community defenses.
He expressed his commitment to recruiting between 300 and 500 operatives immediately, part of a larger plan to employ 2,100 vigilantes by year’s end, all on the state’s payroll and to be trained by security agencies.
“These young, able-bodied men will be trained on the rules of engagement to avoid extrajudicial actions. We must remain lawful but determined,” he stated.
Governor Mohammed also issued a strong warning to informants aiding bandit operations, calling on traditional rulers to identify and expose them. “Informants are giving us away. They must be fished out and dealt with decisively,” he warned.
In a gesture of solidarity and support, the governor announced financial aid to victims’ families as he gifted N5 million to each family of fallen vigilantes and N3 million to each bereaved civilian family.
Governor Mohammed also donated N10 million to the Professional Hunters Association to strengthen their ongoing operations.
The governor also revealed forthcoming federal assistance, noting that the Office of the National Security Adviser is set to boost security support to the state.
With tension still high in Bauchi’s in the affected communities, Governor Mohammed’s message was unequivocal. “We will not fold our arms. I am ready to fight bandits in the forest. I am ready to remove my Babban riga and fight these bandits in the forest because I am the Kaura of Sokoto Caliphate and Kaura of Bauchi.”