MINNA, October 23, 2025 — Governor Umar Mohammed Bago of Niger State has declared that his administration will never negotiate or pay ransom to bandits for the release of kidnapped victims. The governor made this declaration during a security stakeholders’ meeting in Minna, emphasizing that the era of appeasing criminal elements is over and that citizens must be ready to defend themselves and their communities.
Speaking firmly, Governor Bago said his government would not bow to the demands of armed groups terrorizing parts of Niger State. He stressed that continued negotiations and ransom payments have only emboldened criminals, fueling the cycle of violence and kidnapping across the region.
“We will not negotiate with bandits. We will not pay ransom. Enough is enough. It is time for Nigerlites to rise and defend their homes, their lands, and their dignity,”
— Governor Mohammed Bago declared.
A Firm Stand Against Insecurity
Governor Bago’s comments come amid renewed attacks and kidnappings in several parts of Niger State, particularly in the Rafi, Shiroro, and Munya local government areas. Bandits have in recent weeks launched deadly raids on villages, abducting scores of residents and displacing hundreds.
The governor, known for his blunt and proactive approach to governance, said his administration would focus on empowering local communities to protect themselves through organized vigilante networks and improved intelligence sharing with security agencies.
According to Bago, the state government has already begun logistical support and re-equipment of local vigilante groups, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence Corps.
He said:
“The government alone cannot do it. Every community must take ownership of its security. We will continue to provide logistics, communication gadgets, and mobility to the security forces and vigilante units so they can respond swiftly to threats.”
No More Ransom Payments
The governor strongly condemned the culture of ransom payment, noting that such practices only incentivize more kidnappings. He warned individuals, families, and community leaders against negotiating privately with criminals, stressing that the state government would no longer endorse or tolerate ransom deals.
“When people pay ransom, they are financing terrorism. They are empowering these criminals to buy more weapons, to abduct more people,” Bago said.
“We must break this chain. The state will not fund criminals in any disguise.”
He further appealed to security agencies to maintain pressure on criminal gangs until they are neutralized or forced to surrender unconditionally.
Empowering Citizens for Self-Defense
Governor Bago reiterated that Niger State is large and geographically complex, sharing borders with multiple states and covering vast rural areas. This, he said, makes it difficult for conventional security forces to cover every community at all times.
To bridge this gap, he announced plans to recruit and train additional local vigilantes who will work hand-in-hand with security operatives. The governor assured that these vigilantes would be properly screened, trained, and supervised to prevent abuses.
He said:
“We are not creating an army outside the law. We are creating a network of citizens who will stand up to defend their people under a structured and legal framework.”
Bago also stated that the state government would expand its community policing initiative to ensure early detection and reporting of criminal movements before they escalate into full-blown attacks.
A Call for Unity and Vigilance
Governor Bago appealed for unity among residents, saying insecurity cannot be tackled successfully without cooperation between citizens and government. He urged traditional rulers, community heads, and religious leaders to mobilize their people for vigilance and collective defense.
“We must speak with one voice. We must not allow fear to divide us. These bandits are not stronger than us—they only thrive when we are disunited,” he said.
He further called on local government chairmen and community associations to provide accurate intelligence about suspicious activities in their areas.
The governor assured that his administration is working closely with the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and other federal security heads to improve deployment and surveillance across the state’s most vulnerable regions.
Background: Niger State’s Security Challenges
Niger State, one of Nigeria’s largest states by landmass, has in recent years been severely affected by banditry, cattle rustling, and mass abductions. The state shares borders with Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory—all of which have faced similar security crises.
Communities in Shiroro, Rafi, Mariga, and Paikoro local government areas have been particularly targeted, with hundreds of residents killed and thousands displaced since 2021. The attacks have also disrupted farming activities and rural trade, worsening food insecurity in the region.
Governor Bago, who assumed office in 2023, has made rural security one of his administration’s top priorities. His government recently launched the Niger State Security Trust Fund, aimed at financing security operations and supporting victims of violence.
Public Reactions and Expert Opinions
Governor Bago’s hardline stance has generated mixed reactions among residents and security analysts.
While many citizens commended his boldness, some expressed concerns about the potential risks of encouraging self-defense, fearing it could lead to the misuse of firearms or vigilantism without proper control.
Security expert Col. Hassan Yakubu (rtd) said the governor’s policy reflects the frustration of state leaders over persistent insecurity but warned that self-defense measures must be coordinated within the law.
“What the governor said reflects public sentiment—people are tired. But any self-defense initiative must be regulated and supervised. The government should ensure that only trained, vetted individuals are allowed to participate,” he advised.
Human rights groups also called for caution, urging authorities to ensure that the push for community defense does not lead to human rights violations or reprisal killings.
Towards a New Security Strategy
Governor Bago emphasized that his government’s approach is not about abandoning the military or police but about complementing their efforts with community-driven intelligence.
He said Niger State would invest in drone surveillance, rapid response vehicles, and communication equipment to strengthen coordination between local vigilantes and security agencies.
“Our message to the criminals is clear: there is no safe haven for you in Niger State. We are coming after you,” he vowed.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to victims of attacks, pledging to support displaced persons with relief materials and rebuild destroyed communities.
Conclusion
Governor Mohammed Bago’s declaration marks a defining moment in Niger State’s fight against insecurity. His refusal to negotiate or pay ransom sends a strong message to criminal gangs operating across the state.
As his administration doubles down on empowering communities and strengthening security collaboration, Niger State appears poised to adopt a new, tougher approach to curbing banditry and kidnapping.
For residents of the embattled state, the message is clear: the days of appeasing criminals are over — and the era of standing firm in defense of their land has begun.
