Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called for the recruitment of 25,000 youths to strengthen security operations and curb banditry across the state.
Bago made the appeal on Wednesday when he received the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Warrah Idris, and his team during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Minna.
The governor also advocated the establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in strategic locations, particularly in Mailaka and Kurege, both in Mariga Local Government Area, which he described as major entry routes for bandits into the state.
According to him, setting up the bases would help seal off infiltration routes used by criminal elements from neighbouring states.
“We are willing as a state to help you recruit 25,000 youths to go after these people.
We must take proactive steps to secure our communities,” Bago said.
He assured the military of his administration’s support in logistics and manpower to sustain ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in Niger State.