By George Coben, Bauchi
Following the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed’s appeal for Federal intervention in the repeated bandit attacks in some communities in Alkaleri LGA of the state, the military has stepped in, taking over operations in the area.
The Governor received the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army Jos, Major General Eyitayo Foluso Oyinlola, in view of the attacks on Mansur, Futuk, Digare, Gwana, and Yalo communities of the LGA.
The deployment came on the directive of the Chief of Defense staff, underscoring the seriousness with which the military high command views emerging threat on the corridor stretching across parts of the North East and North Central regions.
Apparently, such interventions serve as proactive measures against likely spillover effects that such bandit attacks in the LGA portends.
Briefing Governor Mohammed during the visit, Major General Oyinlola assured him that the Nigerian Army, NA, has deployed both kinetic and non- kinetic strategies to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
He disclosed that troops have intensified clearance operations, strengthened surveillance in identified flashpoints, and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies to prevent further incursions.
While adding that intelligence-driven operations are on going to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt movements of armed groups across the region, General Oyinlola stated that additional operational logistics and manpower have also been mobilized to ensure sustained security presence in Alkaleri and surrounding communities.
“I want to assure you of the army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, and residents be rest assured that efforts are being intensified to stabilize the area,” he declared.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed, expressed appreciation for what he described as the prompt and practical intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following his earlier engagement in Abuja.
Governor Mohammed said that he was encouraged by the swift response of the military high command, and commended the Chief of Army staff, the GOC, and the entire military leadership for their robust response, expressing satisfaction with on going operations.
“I wish to affirm the readiness of the Bauchi State Government, to collaborate with the military through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, including community engagement and sociological interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity,” the Governor stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government, local authorities, and affected communities to support security agencies in restoring lasting peace across Alkaleri LGA of the state.
