Influx Of Fleeing Bandits: NSSG Adopts Proactive Measures
The Nasarawa State Government has taken what have been described as proactive measures to forestall the influx of bandits fleeing from other parts of the country, particularly bandits currently being dislodged by series of military incursions in the North West, from infiltrating the State.
Towards this, Governor Abdullahi Sule, summoned a security meeting that held at the Government House, on Monday (September 13, 2021).
While congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the security agencies, for the successes being recorded in the fight against banditry and kidnappings across the country, he however expressed worry, that fleeing bandits, may seek refuge in mostly inaccessible parts of the State, reminiscent of the outlawed Darussalam sect.
Engineer Sule said there was the need for the State to take proactive steps, in order to stop these fleeing bandits from taking refuge in Nasarawa State, as well as to afford protection for the people of the state.
The Governor said it became necessary for members of the security council, to discuss the security situation across the country and how that affects Nasarawa State.
Recalling the Darussalam sect incursion in 2018, when the fleeing sect members, having been dislodged from Niger State, took up refuge in the dense forest areas of Toto Local Government Area.
He expressed concern that the successes so far being recorded against bandits in Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna and other States in the North West, may actually pose a threat to peace in Nasarawa State.
Engineer Sule emphasized that it therefore became necessary for members of the council to come together and strategize with a view to protecting the people.
He used the opportunity of the meeting to show appreciation to security agencies operating in the State, especially the police, DSS and civil defence, for what he described as the feat recently recorded when kidnappers operating along the Akwanga-Jos road were apprehended, leading to the rescue of some of their victims.
In furtherance of the measures, the Nasarawa State Governor was at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), where he met with the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi on Wednesday (September 15, 2021) in Abuja.
While speaking with the Governor, Ahmed Abubakar Audi said following intelligence reports indicating that bandits currently being dislodged by the military in Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna and other parts of the North West, are likely to take refuge in the North Central, hence, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has beefed up security in Nasarawa and Kogi states.
According to the NSCDC Commandant General, the corps has deployed additional logistics to the two States in order the adequately tackle the security threat posed by the anticipated influx of bandits into the two states.
Audi noted that, with the current insecurity situation bedevilling the country, the only option remaining to nib the emerging trend is to work on intelligence, stressing that the corps will always take action if in possession of credible intelligence.
He assured the Governor of continued support and cooperation from the corps, towards ensuring addressing challenges of insecurity and maintaining the peace in the state.
The NSCDC boss used the opportunity to appreciate the Governor for the continued assistance rendered to the corps, further requesting Governor Abdullahi A. Sule to not only sustain the tempo but to even surpass previous interventions.
He particularly appreciated the governor for the visit.
Speaking earlier, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, urged the NSCDC Commandant General, to make the State and country proud, especially at a time that Nigeria is contending with challenges of insecurity.
The Governor commended the Nasarawa State command of the corps, for the support in the maintenance of peace, especially during the peak period of the COVID-19.
