Key Points

• Niger Governor refuses ransom payment to bandits.

• Bago to recruit 10,000 task force members for security.

• Illegal mining suspended to reduce insecurity in Zone C.

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State says he will not negotiate or pay ransom to bandits. He called on residents to defend their communities against attacks.

During a visit to Rijau and Magama local government areas, recently attacked by armed men in Kontagora, Bago told the crowd that ransom payments only make kidnapping a business.

“The state has reached a point where people must defend themselves,” he said. “I will not pay ransom.

Once we start paying, they’ll keep coming back. We are surrounded by enemies, but we won’t give up.”

Niger to recruit 10,000 for security task force

The governor described the frequent attacks as embarrassing and unacceptable. He said his administration will recruit and train 10,000 members of the Joint Task Force to boost security.

He also noted that the constitution allows citizens to protect their lives and property. Therefore, he urged communities to support the new security plan.

According to his media aide, Aisha Wakaso, the recruitment forms part of a wider effort to strengthen local defence and rebuild trust between residents and security agencies.

Mining suspended in eight local government areas

Bago also announced a total ban on mining in Zone C. The affected areas are Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara.

He said illegal mining fuels insecurity. Miners move freely in forests while villagers face attacks. He has now ordered the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to arrest anyone caught mining illegally.

Meanwhile, the governor promised full support for victims of recent attacks. Families of the dead will get compensation.

The injured will receive medical help, and those who lost property will get assistance to rebuild their lives.