FG not doing enough to tackle ruthless operations of bandits, says Niger commissioner

Emmanuel Musa, Niger commissioner for information and strategy, says the federal government is not doing enough to address the security challenges in the state.

Musa spoke on Saturday while delivering a lecture at the 2022 press week for journalists, held in Minna, the Niger capital.

According to him, citizens have lost faith in the government due to the failure to address rural banditry issues in the state.

He said bandits are now operating freely around Niger communities, adding that the large landmass and forests in Niger have allowed easy infiltration of criminals.

“The large landmass of Niger state is a fertile ground for easy penetration of criminals and activities of rural banditry. The forest is also hazardous and its parameters have aided all manners of criminals to get away with terrorism,” he said.

“Unfortunately, and I repeat, unfortunately, the federal government which has the exclusive resources for protection of lives and properties, for me, has not done too much for Niger state.

“This has allowed citizens of Niger state to begin to wonder whether the government is doing anything for the purpose of the safety of citizens.

“Sometimes, the insanity of the attacks by the bandits terrorising Niger state is done primarily to show the communities the strength of their army.

“Hence, they become motivated dealers, openly cruising into closest villages and towns, typically flaunting their arms, shooting in a commando style, riding freely on motorcycles, unchecked, unhindered.

“They have ruthlessly burnt down our communities, carting away valuable animals, raping women and kidnapping persons without very serious confrontation from the federal government.

“One, therefore, wonders why the security control agencies which have  both the air and land control agencies are not effectively tackling the menace, especially in Rafi, Munya, Shiroro and Mariga LGAs.”