‘Stand Up and Defend Yourselves’: Niger Governor Declares Zero Tolerance for Bandit Negotiations
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance against negotiating with bandits or paying ransom for abducted persons, insisting that such actions only embolden criminals and deepen insecurity.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the people of Rijau and Magama local government areas communities recently attacked by bandits in Kontagora Bago urged residents to rise and defend themselves against the increasing wave of violence.
“The state has reached a point where our people must stand up and defend themselves,” he said. “I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and continue to kidnap people.”
The governor stressed that the Nigerian Constitution empowers citizens to protect their lives and property, adding that his administration will take all necessary measures to ensure that right is upheld.
“We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up,” he continued. “The Constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that. There is no going back.”
Bago described the recurring attacks and mass displacement of residents as both embarrassing and unacceptable, pledging stronger security coordination to prevent further assaults on communities.
In a related development, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly released more than 100 captives as part of an ongoing peace process in Zamfara State.
According to security sources who spoke to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the release followed community-led dialogue and confidence-building initiatives under the North West Operation Safe Corridor peace framework.
The freed victims including men, women, and children were handed over to local authorities and taken for medical evaluation before being reunited with their families.
A source involved in the negotiations said the gesture was part of a broader agreement with Turji’s faction to embrace peace and end hostilities in affected areas.
Initially, 36 captives were released, followed by another eight, bringing the total to 46 before the remaining victims were freed exceeding 100 in total. The source noted that further releases may follow as discussions with Turji’s group progress.
Banditry continues to devastate several states across northern Nigeria, forcing many residents to flee their homes or enter fragile peace deals in hopes of survival.
