Gov Bago urges Military to establish bew bases, recruit locals to combat banditry in Niger

Governor Umaru Bago has called for the establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Mailaka and Kurege (Mariga LGA) to block the entry of bandits into Niger State. During a meeting with Maj. Gen. Warrah Idris, Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, he also appealed for the recruitment of 25,000 Nigerlites as soldiers to support the fight against insecurity.

The governor expressed concern over abandoned assets in Kainji Lake National Park and Borgu due to bandit activity and requested more military equipment and air support. He reaffirmed his administration’s non-kinetic peace efforts and pledged full cooperation with the military.

Maj. Gen. Idris stated that his visit was to assess terrains, boost troop morale, and ensure effective execution of their mandate—to eradicate banditry and terrorism as directed by the military high command and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He confirmed ongoing operations in Kainji Lake National Park, Babana, and other parts of Borgu, noting that maps for further action will soon be released. Operation Fansan Yamma is a federal joint military initiative targeting insecurity in the North-West and parts of North-Central Nigeria.