Against the backdrop of prevailing insecurity in some parts of the North Central geopolitical zone, governors of the region have resolved to carry out joint security operations with a view to addressing issues of insecurity in the area.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State made this known while presiding over and expanded state security council meeting at the Government House on Tuesday.

According to Governor Sule, who doubles as the Chairman, North Central Governors’ Forum, the governors of the region resolved to conduct joint security operations to rid the North Central of bad elements, especially bandits, during their recent meeting which held in Abuja last Thursday.

The Governor said the measure became necessary following recent security challenges that occurred in Plateau, Benue and parts of Kwara States.

He added that part of the reasons for convening the expanded security council meeting was to further deliberate on the outcome of series of meetings he added, with a view to taking proactive measures to safeguard the lives and properties of the people of the state.

“One of the reasons why we needed to have this meeting, as you know, starting from Wednesday last week, we had the Progressive Governor’s Forum and Northern Governors Forum meetings, which ran late at night into the early hours of Thursday. During those meetings, we discussed extensively on the issue of security.

“As a matter of fact, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, was part of our meeting, and we discussed a lot of things to be done. The following day, Thursday, we had the NEC meeting where we further discussed on issues of security, especially as it affects some of the states presently witnessing more security challenges, Plateau, Benue and Kwara in particular. All of these states are located in North Central.

“After the meeting, both of the issues discussed, we felt it is necessary for us to meet under the North Central Governors’ Forum. We also met on Thursday, where again we discussed areas of common interest. It was during that discussion that we came up with the ideas of some kind of joint efforts where we are going to look at the Wamba, Bokkos axis because it has remained a flash point,” he stated.

Governor Sule disclosed that other areas to be covered under the joint security operations include some areas bordering Benue State.

As well as some of the areas that we are going to work with Benue and areas between Nasarawa State and Kogi. These are three areas that we are going to work with our neighbours to ensure that we bring the situation to a halt,” he said.

He said governors of the region are fully aware of the possibility of bandits and terrorists fleeing from the heightened military operations in Borno State, as well as other state in the North West, to try to escape into Nasarawa State.

“We are also aware that most of these criminals because of the increased efforts by the security agencies in Borno, as well as these three Northwestern states and, of course, now, our neighbours, we believe very strongly that some of these people would run into Nasarawa State, and it is better for us to sit down and be proactive rather than wait until something happens and we begin to take action. It is one of the major reasons why we said we are going to meet with the security agencies. So I can fully brief you about what and what is being expected and what is being planned. And what we need to do,” he added.

He cited instances of recent convergence of some of the fleeing bandits, especially around the Sardauna Forest in Toto Local Government Area, as well as the Farin Tsauni.

He assured that his administration, as well as governors of the North Central are closely monitoring the area with a view to taking appropriate measures to address the matter.

Governor Sule used the opportunity of the event to review recent successes recorded by security agencies operating in the state, commending them for their continued efforts to ensure peace and security prevail in the state.

“I also recall recently the incidents of kidnapping in Lafia, Kokona, Doma, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Wamba. I have seen the amount of work that you have put in leasing to the arrest of some of the criminals and bringing them here to Lafia.

“I urge you to ensure that none of those arrested are released until they are properly investigated and prosecuted so that we don’t continue to see such bad eggs on the streets.

“I also recall the reported cases of gun runners in Awe, Doma, Keana, as well as Nasarawa Local Government Area, and the amount of efforts put in leading to the arrest of some of the perpetrators,” he said.

He also appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders and particularly youths, for the continued support his administration enjoys from across the state and which has contributed to the existing peace and security in the state.

The Governor equally expressed appreciation on the recent return of the Bassa people to their ancestral abode in Toto Local Government Area.

Earlier, in an opening remarks, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, PhD, commended Governor Sule for his passion and commitment towards ensuring peace and security, which is attracting accolades within and outside the state.

putting machinery in place that is bringing lasting peace and security in the state.

“It is in the light of that, that Your Excellency, you gave a directive yesterday that the security council, based on security report at your disposal, be convened,” the SGNS said.

.Those in attendance at the expanded security council meeting include the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, some members of the state executive council, heads of security agencies operating in the state, selected local government chairmen mostly from affected areas, as well as some selected traditional rulers.