By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has raised fresh concerns over escalating insecurity in his state, declaring that bandits have taken over several ungoverned spaces warning that the situation could degenerate into a humanitarian crisis if urgent action is not taken.
Mohammed made the disclosure on Friday, 27 February, 2026 after an emergency meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he sought special federal intervention following renewed attacks in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Speaking to State House correspondents, the governor said the security situation in parts of Bauchi had deteriorated beyond the capacity of the state’s existing security architecture.
“Some bandits have become so emboldened and they have taken over so many ungoverned spaces there, coming out from the Daji Dam area,” he said.
“We have been having sporadic clashes and skirmishes with them alongside security agencies, but it appears that all of gus are overwhelmed and the situation is escalating to a level where it could become a big humanitarian crisis.”
According to the Governor, fear has gripped affected communities, prompting residents to flee to neighbouring states and safer local government areas, particularly during the ongoing Ramadan fasting period.
“Out of fear and paranoia, most of the inhabitants are running to other states and other local governments at this time of fasting,” he said.
“That’s why I visited the area with heads of security agencies, assessed the situation, and brought a report to Mr President to seek special presidential intervention.”
Mohammed, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, said the President responded positively and had already issued directives to security agencies to intensify operations.
He noted that similar measures were being implemented in states such as Kwara and Niger, where banditry and criminal networks have exploited forested and ungoverned territories.
“Very positive. The president has already given directives and they are carrying out operations in places like Kwara and Niger where similar issues of ungoverned spaces, forests and banditry exist,” he said.
To further strengthen regional collaboration, the Governor disclosed plans to convene a security summit involving states contiguous to the affected forest belts.
“We are trying to seek an opportunity for governors contiguous to that forest Taraba, Plateau, Gombe and myself to have a summit with the aid of security agencies to address this situation once and for all,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mohammed dismissed speculation that his visit to the Presidential Villa signalled a possible defection from the opposition PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress amid ongoing political realignments.
“I have always said that I am a PDP man. I understand the federal government and the importance of partnership,” he said.
“This is time for governance. I’m not coming here for defection; I’m coming here for governance and partnership. I’m coming to a father of the nation to seek support, and he has responded positively.”
Responding to questions about whether he felt isolated as a PDP governor amid defections by opposition figures, Mohammed maintained that his party remained politically relevant.
He cited the PDP’s performance in the recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections as evidence of its grassroots strength.
“PDP is still there. You saw what we did in the FCT. At least we are better than the so-called big coalition,” he said.
“PDP is a party that is everywhere, in every nook and corner of the country. It has a brand that has survived for over two decades.”
He further argued that electoral victories are determined at the grassroots rather than through national alignments.
“I am not feeling lonely because I know my state. Elections are won from the polling units; they are won locally and not nationally,” he said.
President Tinubu has in recent weeks intensified military operations against banditry and criminal networks across the North-West and North-Central regions, including operations in Kwara, Niger, Kaduna and Zamfara states.
He has also urged the National Assembly to consider constitutional amendments that would enable the creation of state police as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
