Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has raised concerns over the possible infiltration of bandits into the North Central region.
He warned that fleeing criminals from ongoing military operations in the Northeast and Northwest may soon target the sub-region.
Governor Sule, who also chairs the North Central Governors’ Forum made the disclosure during an expanded State Security Council meeting held Wednesday at the Government House, Lafia.
“We are aware that most of these criminals may run into Nasarawa State. It is better for us to be proactive than to wait until something happens,”; the governor said.
To address the looming threat, Sule announced that governors of the North Central geopolitical zone have agreed to launch a joint security operation aimed at curbing insecurity in identified flashpoints across the region.
He explained that the decision followed a series of consultations at meetings of both the Progressive Governors’ Forum and the Northern Governors’ Forum, which were attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
“We came up with the idea of some kind of joint efforts targeting the Wamba-Bokkos axis, which has remained a flashpoint,”; he said.
He added that border areas between Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi states would also be key focus in the joint operation.
The governor noted recent reports indicating the convergence of suspected bandits in Sardauna Forest and Farin Tsauni, stressing that the situation requires close monitoring and swift response.
While commending security agencies for their efforts in responding to recent incidents of kidnapping in Lafia, Kokona, Doma, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Wamba, Sule called for thorough investigations and the prosecution of all suspects currently in custody.
“None of those arrested should be released until proper investigations are concluded and prosecutions carried out. That’s the only way to stop these bad eggs from returning to the streets,”; he warned.
Sule also praised traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth groups for their cooperation in promoting peace and security across the state.
He further applauded the peaceful return of displaced Bassa communities to their ancestral homes in Toto Local Government Area.
