By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has declared a total war against banditry, kidnapping, and illegal mining, warning that his administration will not spare any individual found aiding criminal activities, regardless of their social or political status.
Governor Mohammed issued the directive on Thursday during a State Security Council Meeting at the Government House in Bauchi. The high-level meeting included heads of security agencies, local government chairmen, and the Emir of Bauchi, representing the State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The Governor directly linked illegal mining operations to the financing of banditry in the region.
To combat this, he ordered the immediate closure of all illegal mining sites across Bauchi State and mandated a 30-day review of all existing mining licenses.
In a stern warning directed at local authorities and influential figures, Governor Mohammed stated that no political influence, social status, or family connection would shield violators.
“Any traditional or community leader found illegally allocating land, harbouring suspicious persons, or facilitating access to mining sites will face legal sanctions and possible removal from office,” the Governor warned.
While noting that Bauchi remains relatively peaceful compared to its neighbours, the Governor cautioned against complacency.
He identified cross-border criminality, kidnapping, and misinformation as interconnected threats requiring a coordinated response.
To strengthen the state’s security apparatus, Governor Mohammed announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Army High Command have approved two new military battalions to be stationed in the Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas.
The Governor commended security operatives for recent successes in dismantling criminal networks in hotspots like Alkaleri, Ningi, and Ganjuwa, directing them to replicate these operations in forest reserves and border settlements.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing logistics and operational support to security agencies, while urging residents to reject fake news and actively provide credible intelligence to law enforcement.
