Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has called for the creation of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to stop bandits and other criminals from entering the state from neighbouring areas.

The governor made the appeal when he received the Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. Warrah Idris, and his team during a courtesy visit in Minna.

Bago said the new bases are urgently needed in Mailaka and Kurege, both in Mariga Local Government Area, to help close entry points used by bandits.

“We are willing as a state to help you recruit 25,000 youths to go after these people,” the governor said, adding that the state government is ready to support the army in its efforts to end insecurity.

He also expressed concern over abandoned government assets in Kainji Lake National Park and parts of Borgu Local Government Area, which have become safe havens for bandits. 
However, he expressed confidence that Operation Fansan Yamma would “bring an end to the menace in no time.”

Governor Bago commended the military and other security agencies for their ongoing efforts and called for more equipment and air support, noting the large size of the state. 

He also mentioned that his administration is using non-military strategies to promote peace and promised full cooperation with the military.

In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Warrah Idris said his command covers three sectors, including parts of Niger State. He explained that his visit was to familiarise myself with all locations under my command, assess and evaluate the situation and terrain, and boost the morale of the troops.

He said the team’s mandate, given by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Defence Staff, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is to protect citizens and eliminate crime.

“We are here to ensure that the task given is executed to the last limit. We are here to ensure that we eradicate banditry, terrorism, and other acts of crime,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Idris added that military operations are ongoing in Kainji Lake National Park, Babana, and other parts of Borgu to clear out criminal elements.

Operation Fansan Yamma is a joint military initiative launched by the federal government to combat insecurity across the North-West and parts of North-Central Nigeria.

Bago seeks 25,000 local recruits, new military bases to stop bandits in Niger