Bauchi gov orders intensified patrols, vows crackdown on illegal mining

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has identified banditry, kidnapping, cross-border crimes, illegal mining and misinformation as major security challenges facing the state.

The governor spoke on Thursday during an expanded State Security Council meeting at the Government House in Bauchi, attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and senior government officials.

Mohammed directed security agencies to intensify coordinated patrols across the state to protect vulnerable communities from banditry and other criminal activities.

He said socio-economic development could not thrive in an atmosphere of chaos and lawlessness, adding that Bauchi must not become complacent despite remaining relatively peaceful compared with some neighbouring states.

“We are gathered here today at a decisive moment. Security is the bedrock of any organised society. They are no longer isolated incidents but driven by complex and interconnected networks. To crush them, our approach must be equally dynamic, seamless and coordinated,” the governor said.

He commended security operatives for their dedication and efforts to dismantle criminal networks in parts of the state but said more needed to be done.

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“I hereby direct all security agencies to intensify coordinated and robust patrols, particularly in vulnerable communities. We must deny criminals freedom of movement, smoke them out and systematically crush their hideouts,” he said.

The governor urged security agencies to carry out their duties fairly and professionally, with integrity and due regard for their obligations to the communities they serve.

He also linked insecurity to economic sabotage, particularly illegal mining, which he described as a breeding ground for criminal syndicates.

Mohammed directed the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to take decisive action against those involved in illegal mining, warning that no one would be spared, regardless of status.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army High Command for approving and fast-tracking the establishment of two new battalions in Alkaleri, including the deployment of personnel and the use of facilities in Tafawa Balewa.

He also acknowledged Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University for permitting the temporary use of its facility in Tafawa Balewa town to accommodate one of the battalions.

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to provide logistics, vehicles, communication equipment and other support to security agencies.

He urged residents to support security operations by providing credible and timely information to law enforcement agencies and rejecting rumours and misinformation capable of undermining peace.

Mohammed said security was a collective responsibility, calling for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, communities and security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.