Kidnap: Bago Wants Tougher Action Against Bandits’ Informants

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called for stringent measures against informants believed to be aiding bandits and fueling insecurity across the state.

The governor made the call when he led a state delegation to the palace of the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, in New Bussa, to commiserate with the monarch over the recent kidnapping incident involving pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

Governor Bago noted that informants remain a major enabler of terrorist operations, stressing that applying tougher sanctions against them would significantly curb the wave of attacks. He assured the Emir that security agencies, in collaboration with the state government, are working tirelessly to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren.

He further urged residents to support security operatives with credible intelligence while warning against religious intolerance and bigotry, which he said could undermine peaceful coexistence.

In his remarks, the Emir of Borgu appreciated the governor’s visit and described him as a committed and compassionate leader. He lamented the growing presence of bandits in the Borgu forest and appealed to both state and federal authorities to reclaim the area and restore its economic value.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention in the matter. He expressed optimism that the abducted children would soon be rescued and that ongoing efforts would bring an end to banditry in the region.

Credit: Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State – 22/11/2025.