Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has warned that the security challenges in the North-West and Niger State are far more serious than what is happening in the Northeast.
El-Rufai said that the insecurity poses a clear danger to the conduct of the 2023 general elections and population census if not immediately nipped in the bud.
The governor said this while receiving the 2022 second and third-quarter security report at the Government House in Kaduna.
He said that the best way to quickly end the security challenges posed by bandits and insurgents is, the establishment of a Theatre Command, similar to the one in place in the Northeast.
Earlier in his report, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said, a total of 285 and 160 citizens were killed as a result of banditry in Kaduna state in the second and third quarter respectively, while figures of kidnapped victims stand at 985 and 804.
In response, the governor said, “We have just seen the presentation made by Samuel Aruwan, our Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs. In stark terms, it demonstrates the continued severity of the security challenges and the unfortunate toll of killings, kidnappings, injuries, and threats to the livelihoods of our people. We regret the pain and losses. We pray for the repose of the souls of those killed, pay tribute to the victims of various crimes, and reiterate our solidarity with them.
“The figures show a pattern of reductions in the gravity of security incidents in the second and third quarters of 2022, compared to the first quarter. This is a consequence of the intensification of offensive security operations against the bandits in recent months. We have for years called for a comprehensive and sustained assertion of the prerogatives of the state, through combined air and ground military and police operations. This is the most effective way to protect our people, uphold law and order and enhance the ability of our people to the peaceful pursuit of their livelihoods.
“We thank the Federal Government for finally authorizing the launch of these military and police offensives. We commend the military and security forces for their efforts and sacrifices as they work to uproot the criminals. I wish to stress that in this region, this vital mission requires a comprehensive and consistent sweep, across the Northwest and Niger states for sustained success.”
