The Niger State House of Assembly has passed a motion urging Governor Mohammed Bago’s administration to equip non-conventional security agencies with more sophisticated weapons to combat bandits and terrorists. The request comes in the wake of a failed attempt by bandits to abduct the Chairman of the Tafa Local Government Area, Danladi Itah. Lawmakers representing Tafa and Munya state constituencies raised concerns about the escalation of bandit activities in their areas and called for the proper equipping of local vigilantes and security agencies, in accordance with the Niger State Vigilante (Amendment) Corps Law 2021. The legislators also proposed redirecting security funds from local government councils for arms procurement.
In related news, the lawmakers highlighted the impact of banditry on communities in Tafa Local Government Area, with frequent attacks resulting in deaths, abductions, and disruptions to economic activities. They called on the governor to strengthen the security architecture in Tafa and collaborate with the FCT Administration to engage developers for economic activities in dense forests that serve as safe havens for bandits. The motion emphasizes the need for urgent measures to address the security challenges faced by the affected communities.