In a bold move to stem the rising tide of thuggery and criminal activity in Niger State, Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago has directed security agencies to shoot on sight any armed criminals threatening peace and security, particularly in the state capital, Minna.
Following a high-level security meeting held at the Government House in Minna, Bago announced a string of tough security measures aimed at restoring law and order. Top among these is an immediate directive for security operatives to open fire on any thug found wielding a weapon in public.
The governor also ordered the Niger State Urban Development Board to begin demolishing buildings identified as criminal hideouts and arrest the landlords of such properties. He warned that any house found to be harbouring criminals or used for the sale of hard drugs would be brought down without hesitation.
In a further attempt to curb violence and gang-related crimes, Bago imposed a dusk-to-dawn restriction on the movement of commercial motorcycles and tricycles within Minna, effective between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The security meeting was attended by all heads of security agencies in the state, traditional rulers from the Minna Emirate, key stakeholders, and leaders of local vigilante groups.
“The primary duty of any government is to protect lives and property,” the governor said. “We will not fold our arms while criminals take over our streets. Niger State is not a place for criminals or irresponsible individuals.”
Bago issued a stern warning to local leaders, urging district, village, and ward heads to ensure proper documentation of residents in their areas. He added that failure to do so could result in consequences for community heads found to be shielding criminal elements.
“This government will descend heavily on violators. Any attempt to harass security agents is an attempt to challenge the authority of the state,” he said.
The governor’s tough stance comes in the wake of escalating violence in Minna, where over 30 people have reportedly been killed by gangs disguised as thugs in the last four months. The latest victim was a commercial bank driver, Amore Mohammed, who was murdered on Sunday night in the Fadipe area of the city.
Governor Bago said the state would no longer tolerate the lawlessness, warning parents to take responsibility for their children or risk government intervention.
“If you don’t know how to take care of your children, we will take care of them for you,” he warned.
The government’s new approach signals a no-nonsense crackdown on crime and a warning to those threatening the peace of Niger State.
