We’ll never negotiate with terrorists, Katsina governor vows

Niger to recruit 1,500 youths as forest guards
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, yesterday, said terrorists were increasing attacks on some communities in the state to get the government to the negotiation table.

Radda, who stated this at a briefing marking his administration’s 100 days, vowed that his government would neither negotiate with nor pay ransom to terrorists, no matter what they do.

However, he said his government would accept any terrorist that decides to surrender and renounce his ways.

Noting that his administration would work with security agencies to intensify the onslaught on terrorists to end the challenge within the shortest time possible, the governor disclosed that 1,500 youths from seven councils affected by the problem had been recruited to work with security agencies to fight terrorists.

While affirming that his government purchased armoured vehicles and related equipment worth N7 billion for security agencies, he urged the public not to expect the security problem, which had existed for several years, to be addressed within a short time.

NIGER State Governor, Mohammed Bago, is planning to recruit at least 1,500 youths as forest guards to tackle banditry and terrorism in the state.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, stated, yesterday, that his principal made the disclosure while speaking to newsmen after meeting with vigilante corps on Tuesday.

The CPS quoted the governor as saying: “We intend to employ 1,500 youths into Niger Forest Guards, so that we can take over the forests.”

Bago commended all vigilante corps for complementing the efforts of conventional security operatives in the state.

He revealed that the state government had procured equipment for the corps as an encouragement and to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.

Commander of Vigilante Corps, DSP Alhassan Mohammed (rtd), said his men were gallant, stressing that their vast knowledge of the terrain complements the efforts of the security agencies in combating bandits and other criminal elements in the state.