By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has called on security agencies in the state to discharge their duties with fairness and neutrality, while strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to sustain peace and security.
The governor made the call during an expanded meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House, Bauchi, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to proactive security management and conflict prevention.
Daily Independent reports that the meeting which brought together traditional rulers, security chiefs and top government officials, focused on forest surveillance, seasonal movements, protection of public spaces and the need for efficient grassroots reporting systems across the state.
Governor Bala Mohammed noted that although Bauchi State remains relatively peaceful, emerging threats such as kidnapping, cross-border crimes, misinformation and urban criminal activities require heightened vigilance and coordinated responses.
He stressed the importance of intelligence-sharing between security agencies and community leaders, particularly in forest reserves, markets and densely populated areas, warning that minor crimes can escalate if not addressed promptly.
“This meeting is taking place at a time when Nigeria is facing complex and formidable security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, criminal tensions, cross-border criminal movements, misinformation, and other opportunistic crimes.These challenges are no longer isolated. They are mobile, adaptive, interconnected, and driven by a mix of global influences and local grievances. No state is immune, and no single institution can address these threats alone,” he said.
The governor also urged traditional rulers to play active roles in community mediation, early warning and mobilisation, while cautioning them against land-related abuses or actions that could undermine security efforts.
