x

Insecurity: ISWAP, Boko Haram Present in Seven Niger LGs, Says Commissioner

The Niger State Government on Monday said that banditry and terrorism are festering in seven local governments of the state because of the involvement of men of the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP).

The government also disclosed that men of the dreaded Boko Haram have now integrated into many communities around the state.

These shocking revelations were made by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Internal Security, Mr Emmanuel Umar, when he delivered a lecture with the theme: “Insecurity in Niger State, The Way out” at a forum organized in Minna by the state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Umar claimed that it has become very difficult for the security operatives to bring an end to banditry and terrorism because of the footprints of ISWAP and Boko Haram members.

The commissioner also said that inadequate manpower, especially on the part of the police, has aggravated insecurity, adding that in some communities, there were only seven policemen, while policemen are non- existent in some other communities, as this is coupled with the difficult terrain of most parts of the state.

Umar also said that since most of the rural dwellers keep their money at home, as banking activities are non-existent in their domain, the bandits always have a field day relieving them of their cash.

According to him, despite the claim that ransoms are not being paid to the criminal elements, reports have shown that in one incident in Kagara town, N70 million was paid to the bandits even as not less than N500 million was lost to bandits in an attack on the cattle market in Mariga town of Mariga Local Government.

Umar said Nigerians should be involved in the fight against banditry and terrorism in the state and country as a whole, pointing out that the security agencies need to be properly equipped and reinforced with additional manpower.

In his contribution, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, debunked claims that seven local government areas are under bandits’ siege, saying the number of the councils affected are just five.

Abiodun disclosed that the command has identified the bandits’ routes and deployed riot policemen to the areas.

The PPRO agreed that the command is understaffed but said: “There are a lot of efforts being put in place to tackle this insecurity.”

Abiodun disclosed that not less than 500 castle have been recovered from rustlers and returned to their owners.

Hot this week

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Salutes Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, at 91

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman...

Gov. Ododo Launches Rural Electrification Project for 30 Kogi Communities

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaKogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman...

Victor Osimhen Sets New Galatasaray Record With Brilliant Brace Against Bodø/Glimt

 Victor Osimhen continued his sensational European form on Wednesday...

Kaduna Igbo Community Honours Amb. Yerima Shettima with Traditional Title

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Eze Igbo of Kaduna, His...

KOSIEC Releases Timetable for 2026 Kogi Local Government Elections

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Kogi State Independent...

Terrorist Invade Southern Kaduna Community, Abduct 10 Residents in Kauru LGA

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaTerrorists have again attacked Southern Kaduna,...

How Violence Starves Nigeria’s Food Basket

By Emmanuel Sam DavidBenue State, once renowned as the...

Russia-Ukraine War: The Unfolding Burden on Africa

By Abu Jemimah LamiWhen Russia invaded Ukraine on...

Kaduna Partners REA to Boost Renewable Energy Access, Drive Industrial Growth

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Kaduna State Government, under the...

Gov. Ododo Pledges Full Support for North-Central Nigeria Prays Rally in Kogi

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaKogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo,...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img