According to a report by The Cable on Friday, July 24, 2026, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has called on Fulani community leaders across the state to work closely with security agencies in identifying and exposing criminal elements operating within their communities.
The governor made the appeal while speaking in Hausa in a viral video, stressing that community leaders have an important role to play in addressing insecurity.
He urged them to encourage individuals involved in criminal activities to abandon crime and return to their communities, warning that continued silence over incidents of kidnapping and banditry would only deepen public distrust and worsen the security situation in the state.
Bago stated that growing public frustration over insecurity was linked to the perception that some members of affected communities had failed to provide useful information about the activities of armed groups.
According to him, there were allegations that some residents did not report the presence of armed men, including individuals allegedly entering Niger State from neighbouring Zamfara State.
He maintained that timely intelligence from community members would greatly assist security agencies in tackling criminal activities and restoring peace across the state.
The governor urged Fulani leaders to publicly distance themselves from criminal elements operating within their communities and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.
He stressed that rather than shielding individuals suspected of engaging in kidnapping, banditry, or other criminal acts, community leaders should ensure that such persons are identified and reported to the appropriate authorities.
According to Bago, collaboration between traditional community structures and security agencies remains essential in the fight against insecurity.
Bago also warned farmers against cultivating crops along government roads, stating that he had directed an immediate end to the practice.
He explained that farming activities on government road corridors were no longer acceptable and indicated that the directive formed part of the government’s efforts to improve public safety and maintain order.
The governor reiterated that residents should comply with the directive to avoid any enforcement measures by the relevant authorities.
The governor further cautioned vigilante groups against exceeding the scope of their responsibilities, urging them to concentrate on protecting border communities and supporting official security operations rather than taking the law into their own hands.
He also called on traditional rulers to regulate religious preaching within their domains, warning against sermons capable of promoting division or creating tension among residents.
According to him, anyone using religious platforms to sow discord between Muslims or incite hostility between Muslims and Christians in Niger State should be arrested in accordance with the law.
He said, “Shehu Usman Danfodio is the man who laid the foundation for Islam here, yet they are against him. Which books have they read, and where did they study?.”….See More