Niger State Commissioner Denies Existence of Bandit Camps

Alhaji Umaru Sanda Rabe, the Commissioner for Pastoral and Nomadic Affairs in Niger State, declared that there are no bandits or established bandit camps within the state. He explained that the bandits and terrorists conducting raids operate from neighboring states, utilizing a "hit-and-run" strategy.

Rabe attributed the security challenges to Niger State's vastness and its borders with Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kogi, and the Republic of Benin. To combat banditry and cattle rustling, the state government has initiated a profiling exercise for herders migrating into Niger State, ensuring they do not pose security risks.

Rabe mentioned that the state has an estimated livestock population of four million, primarily in the Niger South senatorial district, which faces issues with cattle rustling. The government has implemented stricter regulations on livestock movement and is collaborating with security agencies to monitor herders.

Additionally, 275 nomadic schools are operational, and 60 boreholes have been constructed to improve water access for both humans and livestock.