Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has said that his administration's resolve to end the festering security challenges in the state is unwavering.
The governor stated this when he received the new Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 7, in Government House, Minna.
According to a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Umaru Bago told the police chief that his administration was ready to partner with the Nigerian Police Force to secure its vast arable land.
He said because of the vast expanse of land the state was blessed with, criminals have taken advantage of the ungoverned spaces to launch their nefarious activities.
He said his government, necessitated by this development, will create a Ministry of Pastoral and Nomadic Affairs that will work towards securing the forests and ungoverned spaces by using the inhabitants in the areas to enable farmers and nomads to return to their farmlands.
He restated his administration's avowed commitment to return peace and security to all parts of the state, revealing that the police were an indispensable partner in this task.
He thanked the new AIG for the visit and congratulated him on his new assignment, assuring that the state will provide the needed support for him to succeed.
The new AIG Zone 7, Mr. Adebowale Williams, earlier in his remarks said the zone covered the FCT and Niger State and expressed commendation for the unique, uncommon, and strategic security interventions the state government was providing to enable the police to perform their duty effectively.
He appreciated the governor's donation of a new facility to accommodate the Chanchaga police division, which also has the capacity to house the Area Command.
He said the gesture has gone a long way towards giving the police a sense of entitlement.
The AIG further assured the governor that with the recent donation of 12 brand new patrol vehicles and accessories to the command, the police will up their ante in providing adequate security through prompt response to emergencies.
He thanked the governor for the audience and called for more support for the police, as the police, he said, have evolved new strategies to combat any threat to lives and properties in the state.