Bauchi vigilante agency strengthens border security
Bauchi vigilante agency strengthens border security
The Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency (BSVYEA), says it has curbed cross-border criminal activities along its borders with eight states.
Umar Shayi,Director-General of the agency, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Bauchi.
The agency established on Aug. 15, 2023, began full operation in February 2024, with a mandate to combat kidnapping; robbery, banditry, cattle rustling, thuggery, and other related offenses.
According to Shayi, Bauchi State shares borders with Kaduna; Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, Plateau, Yobe, and Jigawa,
He said the agency’s efforts helped to sustain peace and enhance security across the border areas.
“The agency operates in close collaboration with formal security outfits including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigerian Army (NA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ()NSCDC,” he said.
Shayi highlighted that the synergy among security operatives across the border communities was instrumental in maintaining peace and combating crimes.
He said community cooperation, especially through intelligence sharing contributed significantly in making forests and border communities sacured.
Read Also: Yobe govt in collaboration with ICPC trained officials on fiscal…
Shayi commended Gov. Bala Mohammed for his support, enactment of a legal framework, provision of operational vehicles, logistics and improved personnel welfare.
While commending personnel for their dedication to duty, Shayi said the agency had extended its outreach to the 20 local government areas of the state.
“The agency will continue its operations relentlessly until Bauchi is completely free from criminal elements,” he said.
He urged community leaders and residents of the state to be vigilant and report suspicious persons and movements to security agencies.
