Negotiation With Bandits Increased Banditry In Niger — Bago

Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has disclosed that negotiation with bandits by neighbouring states has caused their influx into the state.

While decrying the infiltration of cattle rustlers and bandits into the state, Governor Bago said he will not engage in any form of negotiation.

The governor stated this during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the implementation of the State Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit held in Minna, the state capital.

He also observed that negotiations with bandits in some states have given rise to castle rustling, describing it as unacceptable.

In view of the development, Governor Bago said intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser on the issue will be sought.

On the issue of people bringing in slaughtered meat from the bush to sell, the governor said necessary measures will be put in place through relevant authorities to ensure that only meat from recognised abattoirs were sold.

He added that livestock coming into the state must also be vaccinated.

He also directed that farming activities should no longer be carried out on the right of way along the highway, and warned herders not to allow their animals to graze on people’s farms, pointing out that anyone found wanting will be dealt with.

The governor said the Animal Disease Control Act of 2022, Sections 18 and 19, have empowered the state through the Department of Animal Health and Veterinary Services to issue permits for the transportation of animals, poultry, and animal products.

He stressed that this was a practical tool to safeguard public health, improve market systems and protect livelihoods.