Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has issued a stern two-month evacuation order to residents of hamlets surrounding Kainji Lake, warning that those who remain could be caught in a planned military offensive aimed at rooting out criminal elements from the area.
The governor announced the directive during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, in New Bussa following a recent terrorist attack in the emirate. He stated that the evacuation and resettlement of communities had become imperative to enable a full-scale security operation involving federal and state forces.
“We must clear these forests and flush out the criminals using Kainji Lake as their camp. For this to happen effectively, people living in hamlets around the lake must move out to allow security forces do their work,” Bago said.
He warned that the operation could include aerial bombardment and intense military action, raising the risk of “collateral damage” for anyone who remains in the vicinity.
Concerns Over Informants and Unregistered Residents
The governor expressed alarm over the influx of unprofiled individuals into the emirate, describing it as a major security risk. He also accused some residents of acting as informants for criminal groups, undermining ongoing security efforts in the region.
Governor Bago urged the Emirate Council to collaborate closely with security agencies and government tiers to combat insecurity, emphasizing that traditional institutions must take an active role in protecting their domains.
Federal Support and Emir's Commitment
In a show of support, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, stated that the federal government would back initiatives to restore peace and security in the area. “It will be a welcome development if concrete steps are taken to relocate the people, reclaim the forest and deploy it for productive community use,” the minister said.
The Emir of Borgu pledged the emirate’s full cooperation with the government and security agencies, promising to assist in identifying and prosecuting informants aiding criminal activities.
The evacuation order marks a significant escalation in the state’s response to persistent insecurity around Kainji Lake, a region long exploited by armed groups as a hideout. Residents now face the urgent task of relocating as authorities prepare for what could be one of the most intense security operations in the area in recent years.
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