Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has proposed recruiting 25,000 youths and establishing Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to curb cross-border banditry and strengthen security, particularly around Mailaka and Kurege in Mariga LGA — identified as infiltration points.
The governor appealed during a meeting with Maj. Gen. Warrah Idris, Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North-West.
Bago argued that state-level support for manpower and localized FOBs will help seal routes used by criminals entering from neighbouring states.
He pledged state cooperation in recruitment efforts, saying Niger is willing to mobilise youths for training and deployment to complement federal operations.
The theatre commander’s visit underscored growing coordination between military command and state authorities confronting an uptick in bandit attacks.
Security analysts caution, however, that mass recruitment requires rigorous vetting, training, and clear legal frameworks to avoid creating unregulated militias.
They also stress the need for integrated strategies combining community policing, economic opportunity for youths, and intelligence sharing.
Governor Bago’s proposal signals heightened urgency among state governments to be active partners in national security responses, but successful implementation will hinge on oversight and alignment with national security doctrines.
