Bago Vows Never to Negotiate or Pay Ransom to Bandits, Bans Mining in Eight Niger LGAs
By Queen Madaki, The Bureau News
Updated: October 23, 2025 — WAT
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance against banditry, declaring that he will never negotiate or pay ransom to kidnappers. Instead, he urged citizens to defend themselves against escalating attacks in several local government areas.
Governor Bago Declares “No Negotiation, No Ransom” Policy
The governor made the statement during a visit to Rijau and Magama local government areas, where he met communities affected by recent bandit incursions in the Kontagora axis.
“The state has reached a point where people must rise to defend themselves. Paying ransom only fuels the business of kidnapping,” Governor Bago stated.
“I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and continue kidnapping people. This is a state of war that requires collective resistance.”
Bago emphasized that self-defence is a constitutional right, adding that Niger State will no longer tolerate criminal networks terrorizing its rural communities.
10,000 Joint Task Force Recruits to Strengthen Security
Describing the constant attacks as “embarrassing and unacceptable,” the governor announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 personnel into the Joint Task Force (JTF) to reinforce security operations across the state.
His Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, in a statement, said the JTF initiative forms part of the government’s broader counter-insurgency framework to reclaim vulnerable areas from bandits and restore confidence among residents.
Mining Ban Across Eight Local Governments
Governor Bago also announced a total ban on all mining activities in Zone C of the state, which includes Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara local government areas.
He linked illegal mining to the rise in insecurity, stating that many mining sites have become safe corridors for criminal activities.
“It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet bandits do not attack them. I have now ordered the NSCDC to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining activities,” he said.
Support for Attack Victims and Displaced Persons
Bago assured victims of recent attacks that his government will offer relief and compensation, including financial support for bereaved families, medical care for the injured, and assistance for displaced farmers and traders who lost their means of livelihood.
He reiterated that the state government remains committed to securing every community and restoring peace across Niger State.
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