Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has issued a powerful and unambiguous warning to criminal elements, declaring that his administration will not allow them to transform the state into a theatre of insecurity.
A Stern Warning to Criminals
The Governor made this declaration on Thursday in Bauchi while presenting the 2026 budget proposal to the state assembly. He emphasized that his government has invested significant resources to maintain the current peace and stability in Bauchi and is prepared to use the full force of the law against anyone attempting to disrupt it.
"Let me issue a very clear and unambiguous warning: Bauchi has sacrificed a lot to attain the current level of peace and stability. Therefore, we will not allow criminal elements, by whatever name they call themselves, to turn our state into a theatre of insecurity," Governor Mohammed stated firmly.
Citizen Vigilance and Government Resolve
Governor Mohammed underscored the collective responsibility of all citizens in maintaining security. He declared that any individual attempting to introduce banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, or any other form of violent crime into the state would have to contend with its entire populace.
"They will have to pass through all the citizens of Bauchi, because we are all policemen today," he asserted, highlighting a community-based approach to security. He further swore a solemn oath, stating, "I swear to you, before Almighty Allah, that anyone who tries to create conflict in this state will be dealt with decisively within the confines of the law and the institution."
The administration is leveraging intelligence from all corners of the state to stay ahead of threats. "We have people in all the nooks and crannies giving us information. Sometimes, information may be arbitrary, but it is better than having nothing. We use such intelligence judiciously to assist security agencies and strengthen safety across the state," the Governor explained.
Directives to Traditional Rulers and Officials
A significant part of the Governor's address was directed at traditional rulers and local government officials. He cautioned them against actions that enable criminality, explicitly warning them against:
- Harbouring bandits.
- Shielding criminal elements.
- Negotiating illegal settlements with criminals.
- Engaging in the illegal sale of community farmlands, forest reserves, or government grazing areas without state approval.
"Anyone found aiding, abetting, or giving cover to criminals, or illegally disposing of land and forest resources, even at the Ministry of Lands, will be dealt with severely," he warned.
Governor Mohammed also reiterated his government's commitment to environmental protection and security, vowing to stop illegal deforestation, illegal mining, illegal charcoal production, and the use of forests as criminal hideouts.
"We will continue to balance the needs of farmers, herders, investors, and future generations in a responsible manner. But we will not allow any forest, mountain, or settlement in Bauchi State to become a sanctuary for bandits and other criminal elements," he concluded, reinforcing the administration's comprehensive strategy for a secure and prosperous Bauchi.
