Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, has sounded a strong warning over escalating insecurity, revealing that armed bandits have seized control of several ungoverned forest areas, particularly around Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Speaking after an emergency meeting with Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the governor described the situation as critical and potentially capable of triggering a humanitarian crisis if urgent action is not taken.
According to him, bandits operating from the Daji Dam axis have become increasingly emboldened, engaging security operatives in repeated clashes.
He admitted that existing security structures appear overwhelmed as attacks intensify across remote communities.
The governor disclosed that fear has forced many residents to flee to neighboring states and local government areas, especially during the ongoing Ramadan period.
He said the mass movement of people highlights the growing insecurity in Bauchi and the urgent need for coordinated federal support.
Mohammed confirmed that President Tinubu responded positively and has issued directives aimed at strengthening ongoing military operations in vulnerable regions.
Recent crackdowns in Kwara and Niger states, where similar forest-based criminal networks operate, are part of broader efforts to dismantle bandit strongholds across northern Nigeria.
To further tackle the crisis, the Bauchi governor announced plans for a regional security summit involving neighboring states such as Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe.
The proposed summit will focus on collaborative strategies to secure forest corridors often exploited by bandits.
Addressing political speculation, Mohammed dismissed rumors of a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, insisting his visit to the President was strictly about governance and security collaboration.
As insecurity continues to challenge communities in Nigeria’s North-East and North-Central regions, stakeholders are increasingly calling for decisive federal intervention and long-term security reforms to restore safety and stability.
