Tinubu orders security agencies to rein in escalating insecurity in Bauchi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to swing into action to contain the escalating security situation in Bauchi State following a high-level meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed at
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to swing into action to contain the escalating security situation in Bauchi State following a high-level meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed at the State House, Abuja.
Speaking with journalists after the closed-door meeting on Friday, Governor Mohammed disclosed that the President responded “very positively” and had already issued directives to security operatives to address the worsening crisis in parts of the state, particularly Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The governor said he visited the President on behalf of the people and government of Bauchi State to brief him on the deteriorating security situation in Alkaleri, where bandits have reportedly taken over ungoverned spaces around the Dajima Dam axis.
“I came here on behalf of the people and government of Bauchi State… pertaining to what has already been highlighted in the Nigerian media space,” he said.
According to him, bandits have become emboldened in the area, leading to sporadic clashes with security agencies.
He warned that the situation was escalating and could snowball into a humanitarian crisis if urgent action was not taken.
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“In my local government, Alkaleri of Bauchi State, some bandits have become so emboldened, and they have taken over so many ungoverned spaces there. We have been having some sporadic clashes and skirmishes with them, with the security agencies, but it would appear that the security agencies and all of us are overwhelmed, and the situation is escalating to a level where it will become a big humanitarian crisis,” the governor stated.
He explained that fear and panic have forced many residents to flee to neighbouring states and other local governments, even as the Muslim faithful observe the fasting period.
“Out of fear and paranoia, most of the inhabitants are running to other states and other local governments at this time of fasting,” he said.
Governor Mohammed revealed that he personally visited the troubled area alongside heads of security agencies before proceeding to Abuja to seek “special presidential intervention.”
“Without any prior appointment, I only prayed with him, and he saw me immediately,” he said, noting that he would also meet with senior security officials under the National Security Adviser to ensure swift action.
On the President’s response, Mohammed said: “Very positive. He has already given directives.”
He added that ongoing security operations in states like Kwara and Niger, where similar challenges of forest banditry and ungoverned spaces exist, could serve as a model for addressing the situation in Bauchi.
The governor further disclosed plans to convene a joint security summit involving governors of neighbouring states, Taraba, Plateau and Gombe, whose territories are contiguous to the affected forest areas.
