_August 5, 2026 | 10:18 AM_
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has directed troops of Operation Safe Haven/Operation Enduring Peace to step up intelligence and deal decisively with all criminal elements in the state.
The governor gave the directive on Tuesday while receiving the new General Officer Commanding, 3 Division Nigerian Army, Jos, and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Maxwell Dangana, at the Government House in Bauchi.
Mohammed said Bauchi cannot afford to lose its current peace to insecurity. He added that the state government will continue to support security agencies in the fight against crime.
He linked illegal mining to terrorism and insecurity, saying criminal gangs are using mining to fund violence in rural communities.
“Your visit sends a clear message that Bauchi will not be a safe haven for criminals,” the governor said.
“I have absolute confidence in the Nigerian Army. You deserve commendation, not criticism, for leaving your families to protect ours.”
He warned that bandits and illegal miners are threatening food security by chasing farmers off their land.
“Strengthen intelligence. Don’t spare anybody. Even if my son is involved in illegal mining, deal with him,” Mohammed declared.
He also called for stronger collaboration among border states to crush banditry and dismantle illegal mining networks.
Earlier, Maj. Gen. Dangana said the visit was part of his familiarization tour two weeks after assuming command.
“We will review our strategies and see how best to secure our people,” he said.
