Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago has criticised Fulani traditional leaders for what he described as their failure to publicly condemn criminal elements responsible for persistent bandit attacks, urging them to cooperate with security agencies to restore peace.
Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago has issued a strong rebuke to Fulani traditional leaders, accusing them of failing to speak out against criminal elements carrying out deadly attacks across parts of the state.
Speaking during a meeting with Fulani leaders, Bago said community leaders have a responsibility to condemn and help identify those behind killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes rather than remaining silent.
“Your brothers are committing atrocities,” the governor said, urging the leaders to take greater responsibility in supporting efforts to combat insecurity.
Governor Demands Cooperation Against Banditry
Bago said the worsening security situation requires the cooperation of all communities, insisting that traditional leaders must provide useful intelligence to security agencies.
According to the governor, anyone shielding criminals or refusing to assist security operatives undermines ongoing efforts to restore peace in the state.
He stressed that his administration would continue to take decisive measures against bandits and other criminal groups threatening lives and livelihoods.
Remarks Follow Earlier Action Against Fulani Chiefs
The governor’s comments come days after his administration removed several Fulani district heads, known as Ardos, from their traditional positions.
Bago accused some of the affected leaders of failing to prevent or report criminal activities allegedly linked to armed bandits operating in parts of Niger State.
The state government has said the restructuring of the traditional leadership system forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community-based security and accountability.
Renewed Offensive Against Bandits
Niger State has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups involved in kidnapping, killings and cattle rustling.
Bago has consistently vowed to intensify military operations against the criminal gangs, including plans to reclaim forests believed to serve as their hideouts.
He has maintained that his administration will not negotiate with bandits and has repeatedly called for stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies.
North-central and north-western Nigeria have experienced sustained insecurity driven by banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks on rural communities.
Security experts have frequently emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering and community cooperation in addressing the crisis, while cautioning against attributing criminal acts to entire ethnic groups. Bandit groups comprise criminal networks, and government officials have repeatedly urged citizens to distinguish criminals from law-abiding members of affected communities.