Governor Bago Vows No Ransom for Bandits, Urges Niger Residents to Self-Defend

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has taken a hardline stance against banditry, publicly declaring that his administration will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims.

He concurrently urged the residents of Niger State to stand up and defend themselves against the continuous attacks.

Governor Bago made the resolute statement during a condolence visit to the communities in Rijau and Magama local government areas following recent bandit attacks in Kontagora.

He emphasized that paying ransom is counterproductive, warning that it would only encourage more kidnappings and worsen insecurity.

In his declaration, the Governor stated: “I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people.” He insisted that the Constitution provides citizens with the right to protect their lives and property, and vowed to take all necessary steps to fulfill this duty. Describing the situation as a “state of war,”

Bago called for collective resistance by everyone, noting that it is embarrassing and unacceptable for communities to be invaded and their residents turned into internally displaced persons.

To enhance the state’s security architecture, Governor Bago announced plans to immediately recruit and train 10,000 members for the joint task force. He also declared a total ban on mining in Zone C of the state, citing illegal mining as a major driver of insecurity.

The Governor further pledged his administration’s commitment to supporting the victims of the recent attacks, promising to provide compensation for the families of those killed, medical treatment for the injured, and assistance for those who lost their livelihoods.