Spare No Criminals in Bauchi, Gov Tells Soldiers

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has directed troops of Operation Safe Haven/Operation Enduring Peace to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure that no criminal operating in the state, particularly illegal miners and bandits, is spared. He stressed that Bauchi must not lose the relative peace it currently enjoys to criminal activities.

The governor gave the charge while receiving the newly deployed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven/Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Bauchi. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to supporting security agencies in tackling insecurity.

Mohammed described illegal mining as one of the major drivers of terrorism and violent crime, warning that criminal groups were exploiting mining activities to finance attacks on rural communities. He lamented that bandits and illegal miners had continued to terrorise farmers, threaten food security and disrupt economic activities in parts of the state.

The governor urged security agencies to carry out their duties without fear or favour, declaring that nobody should be above the law. He added that anyone found engaging in illegal mining or other criminal activities should face the full weight of the law, regardless of status or personal relationship.

In his remarks, Major General Dangana said his visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Bauchi State Government to address emerging security threats and sustain ongoing operations across the region.