Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has vowed that his administration will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for abducted persons.

Bago, who spoke during a condolence visit to Rijau and Magama local government areas following fresh attacks in Kontagora, urged residents to rise in defence of their communities.

“We have reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves,” he said. “I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and continue kidnapping.”

The governor argued that ransom payments only incentivise criminality and deepen insecurity. He said the Constitution empowers citizens to protect their lives and property, insisting that the state cannot allow more communities to be displaced.

Describing the situation as a “state of war,” Bago called for collective resistance and announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 personnel for a joint task force to bolster security operations.

He also ordered a total ban on mining in Zone C, linking illegal mining activities to rising insecurity.

Bago assured victims of government support, including compensation for families of those killed, medical care for the injured, and assistance for those who lost their livelihoods.