Tinubu Directs Security Agencies to Tackle Escalating Insecurity in Bauchi
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to take immediate steps to contain the worsening security situation in Bauchi State following a high-level meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed at the State House, Abuja.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting on Friday, Mohammed said the President responded “very positively” and had issued directives to security operatives to address the deteriorating crisis, particularly in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The governor said he briefed the President on the escalating violence in Alkaleri, where bandits have reportedly taken control of ungoverned spaces around the Dajima Dam axis, leading to sporadic clashes with security agencies.
The situation has overwhelmed local security efforts and risks degenerating into a humanitarian crisis if urgent action is not taken.
“In my local government, Alkaleri of Bauchi State, some bandits have become so emboldened and they have taken over so many ungoverned spaces there coming out from the Dajima Dam. We have been having sporadic clashes and skirmishes with them, with the security agencies, but it would appear that the security agencies and all of us are overwhelmed and the situation is escalating,” the governor said.
He added that fear and panic have forced many residents to flee to neighbouring states and other local government areas, even as Muslims observe the fasting period.
Mohammed disclosed that he had personally visited the troubled area with heads of security agencies before proceeding to Abuja to seek what he described as “special presidential intervention.”
On the President’s response, he said: “Very positive. He has already given directives.”
The governor noted that ongoing operations in states such as Kwara and Niger, which are also grappling with forest banditry and ungoverned territories, could provide a framework for addressing the Bauchi situation.
He further revealed plans to convene a joint security summit involving governors of neighbouring Taraba, Plateau and Gombe states, whose territories share forest boundaries with the affected areas, to coordinate a regional response.
Mohammed expressed concern that the resurgence of insecurity was coming after nearly a decade of relative peace in Bauchi, warning that it could undermine growing investor confidence in the state.
He cited emerging oil and gas prospects as well as expanding mining activities, stressing that instability could reverse economic gains and discourage investment.
On the debate over state police, the governor reiterated his support for its establishment, arguing that it would reduce pressure on federal authorities and enable governors to respond more effectively to local security threats.
“We have always supported state police because it will reduce the burden on the federal government and make us more responsive and responsible as state governors, although it is expensive,” he said.
Mohammed emphasised that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, noting that sustained peace in Bauchi had previously stimulated both micro- and macroeconomic activities.
He also dismissed speculations that his visit to the Presidential Villa was politically motivated or linked to possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I have always said that I am a PDP man. I’m not coming here for defection. I’m coming here for governance, for partnership,” he stated.
While acknowledging internal political challenges, including litigations, the governor maintained that the PDP remains a strong national platform with grassroots presence across the country.
He added that elections are ultimately determined at the polling unit level, insisting he does not feel politically isolated amid shifting alliances.
