NIGER: Bello boosts local security agencies to fight bandits, insurgents, others

GOVERNOR Abubakar Sani Bello says the state government is beefing up local security outfits to complement the efforts of conventional agents in tackling the insecurity in some parts of the state.

Governor Bello stated this today while briefing journalists after he interacted with some community leaders and the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Mechanized Division, Nigeria Army, Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi, at the Government House, Minna.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel-Berje, said Governor Bello and the GOC having analysed the security situation in the state came up with new plans and strategies on how to tackle the security challenges.

ThegGovernor noted that the local security outfits have been overstretched and overwhelmed, hence the need to strengthen them to compliment the efforts of the conventional security agents.

“The local security agencies as it were in the past were understaffed and overstretched because of the size of the state and manpower deficit”, he said.

He said from his discussions with the GOC, they have agreed to provide more men and equipment to support the effort of the local security agencies.

The governor said from all indications and the assurance the GOC gave, the situation will normalise very soon.

On supports received so far from the Federal Government, Bello said, “I think the support is as good as I expected and I believe more will come, I have no doubt more support will come”.

Governor Bello, however, called for patient, prayers and understanding from the citizens, especially now that there is a change in the leadership of the security agencies.

On his part, Maj. Gen Ali Keffi appreciated the governor and the people for their support of the troops working in the state.

He assured that his team will do their best to restore normalcy to te state.

The GOC’s visit was part of his tour of formations under his command.