N/Central governors mull joint security operations

Governors of the North Central geopolitical zone have agreed to launch joint security operations to tackle persistent insecurity in the subregion. Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who also chairs the North Central Governors’ Forum, disclosed this during an expanded State Security Council meeting held at the Government House, Lafia on Wednesday. Governor Sule said the […]

Governors of the North Central geopolitical zone have agreed to launch joint security operations to tackle persistent insecurity in the subregion.

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who also chairs the North Central Governors’ Forum, disclosed this during an expanded State Security Council meeting held at the Government House, Lafia on Wednesday.

Governor Sule said the decision was reached following several meetings of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and the Northern Governors’ Forum, where security challenges were discussed extensively with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, in attendance.

He explained that the joint operations will focus on flashpoints such as Wamba, Bokkos, and border areas between Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi states.

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“We came up with the idea of some kind of joint efforts targeting the Wamba-Bokkos axis, which has remained a flashpoint,” Sule said.

He emphasised the need for proactive measures, warning that criminals fleeing intensified military operations in Borno and parts of the Northwest could relocate to Nasarawa.

“We are aware that most of these criminals may run into Nasarawa State. It is better for us to be proactive than to wait until something happens,” he added.

Governor Sule cited recent sightings of bandits converging in Sardauna Forest and Farin Tsauni, assuring that both his administration and other North Central governors are closely monitoring the situation.

He commended security agencies for recent efforts in responding to kidnapping incidents across Lafia, Kokona, Doma, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Wamba.

He urged security operatives to ensure that suspects already in custody are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

“None of those arrested should be released until proper investigations are concluded and prosecutions carried out. That’s the only way to stop these bad eggs from returning to the streets,” he said.

The governor also thanked traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth groups for their support in maintaining peace and security across the state.

He lauded the peaceful return of the displaced Bassa people to their ancestral homes in the Toto Local Government Area.