*Says military commences air raids on bandits’ locations
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state has assured that government will sustain ongoing combat operations against bandits in parts of the state as well as provide palliative measures to cushion the hardship faced by villagers affected by recent attacks.
The governor stated this Monday at a press conference in Minna, explaining that the military, police and other security agencies have redoubled combat actions against the criminals.
He said, “Government has also organised local vigilantes to assist security agencies in the battle against the bandits. We have also provided vehicles and motorcycles to the vigilantes to enhance their duties.”
While assuring residents of the state especially those in Rafi, Paikoro, Munya, Mashegun and Shiroro local governments that his administration will not relent in ensuring peace in their communities, Governor Bello said the Air force has begun air raids in the forest occupied by the bandits.
Governor Bello expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for ordering air raids in areas occupied by the bandits adding that the Air Force have already deployed the best of their equipment to the general area of combat operation.
He said government was very much concerned about the condition at the IDP camps in the state, adding that government was working to ensure that the villagers in the camps return to their various communities within two weeks.
He expressed dismay over the activities of some insiders in the communities who are acting as spies for the bandits and giving vital security information to the hoodlums on planned operations.
He solicited for the cooperation of the people to join hands with security agencies in the fight against the bandits adding that “our people should stop being informants to the bandits because such actions are not only inimical to the success of our battle against the bandits, but also expose our security men to danger.”
