The Bauchi State Police Command has firmly ruled out any form of truce or negotiation with armed bandits and kidnappers operating in the state, declaring that security agencies remain focused on restoring peace and enforcing the law.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu, made this known while addressing residents of Mansur and neighbouring communities in Alkaleri Local Government Area during an on the spot security assessment visit.
CP Aliyu, who was accompanied by heads of other security agencies in the state, said rumours making the rounds about an alleged amnesty or peace deal with bandits were false and misleading.
According to him, neither the Bauchi State Government nor any of the security agencies has entered into negotiations with criminal elements terrorising communities.
The police boss explained that the visit was part of ongoing efforts to reassure residents and rebuild public confidence following recent incidents of banditry and kidnapping in the area.
He said the security agencies were working in synergy to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response time, and ensure that criminal activities were brought to an end.
During the visit, the CP and other security chiefs also inspected the site of the Forward Operation Base currently under construction by the Bauchi State Government, describing the project as a critical step towards enhancing security operations in the area.
He assured residents that their safety remained a top priority, adding that the police and other security agencies would continue to discharge their constitutional responsibility of maintaining law and order.
CP Aliyu advised community members to go about their lawful activities without fear, while remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest security post.
“In the event of any emergency, residents should contact the police for immediate response,” he said, providing the emergency line 08151849417.
Those who accompanied the Commissioner on the visit included the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state, representatives of the Brigade Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade, officials of the Department of State Services, and the Commander of the Nigerian Forest Security Services, Bauchi State Command.
Stakeholders and residents from various communities gathered at the Mansur market square for the meeting, where they expressed appreciation for the visit and shared their security concerns with the visiting team.
Many of the residents said the presence of the security chiefs had boosted their morale and renewed their confidence in the ability of the authorities to tackle insecurity in the area.
The visit, according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Nafiu Habib, served as a confidence building measure for communities that have experienced repeated attacks in recent times.
