Bauchi Governor Orders Security Agencies to Intensify Crackdown on Criminals
By Umar U. Duguri
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has directed security agencies to intensify coordinated patrols across vulnerable communities to curb banditry, kidnapping, cross-border criminal activities, illegal mining and other security threats.
The governor gave the directive on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a security meeting at the Government House in Bauchi.
He directed security agencies to deny criminals freedom of movement, dismantle their hideouts and strengthen operations within the state and adjoining communities.
Mohammed said Bauchi remained relatively peaceful compared with some neighbouring states but warned that the government could not afford to be complacent in addressing security challenges.
He described the threats facing the state as mobile, adaptive and interconnected, adding that they required dynamic and coordinated responses from security agencies.
The governor expressed appreciation to the military, police, paramilitary organisations and other security agencies for their operational successes in dismantling criminal networks, particularly in some vulnerable local government areas.
However, he said more work remained to be done to address the security challenges confronting the state.
Mohammed also charged security agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with fairness, neutrality and professional integrity.
He stressed that security operations must remain apolitical and sensitive to community and cultural obligations.
Governor Warns Against Illegal Mining
The governor identified illegal mining as a major concern, stating that the activity served as a breeding ground for criminal syndicates.
He directed the Nigerian Army and other relevant security agencies to deal decisively with individuals involved in illegal mining.
Mohammed warned that no individual would be spared, regardless of status or affiliation, for sabotaging the state's economy through illegal mining activities.
Two New Army Battalions in Alkaleri
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Army High Command for approving the establishment of two new military battalions in Alkaleri and ensuring the timely deployment of the required personnel.
He also appreciated the Governing Council and management of the Federal Polytechnic, Alkaleri, for permitting the use of its facilities as temporary accommodation for the new battalion in Alkaleri and the new formation in Tafawa Balewa.
Mohammed further commended the Brigade Commander for coordinating security formations across the state and expressed confidence in his continued leadership.
Security Agencies Directed to Strengthen Coordination
The governor reiterated the need for coordinated security operations to address criminal activities in vulnerable communities across Bauchi State and adjoining areas.
The meeting was attended by the Emir of Bauchi and Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of Traditional Rulers, alongside the Chief of Staff, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Works, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and heads of military, police, paramilitary and other security agencies.