Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger has lamented that while his government is battling bandits, new criminals are targeting students.

“While we are battling with the bandits, a new dimension in Minna came up, where some criminal elements are going about harassing students and people going about their legitimate businesses. This new dimension is unacceptable,” said the Niger governor.

Mr Bello stated this on Tuesday while inaugurating 161 special vigilance corps at the police command headquarters in Minna to complement security agencies’ efforts.

The governor, who also provided vehicles and motorcycles to the corps at the occasion, said, “I am happy with this development. The police have been working tirelessly day and night while battling with the bandits.

“After reviewing the situation, the police commissioner and the commissioner for local government came up with this integrated security outfit.”

He vowed that his government would not allow bandits and other criminals to terrorise students and farmers in the state.

Mr Bello also called on the vigilantes to be cautious in discharging their duty, urging them to protect themselves against criminals.

In addition, Mr Bello called on parents to caution their children and wards against getting involved in criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Usman, noted that the special vigilance group comprised nine voluntary security outfits trained and integrated into the corps to complement security agencies’ efforts and address youth restiveness within Minna.

“This group will be incorporated into the vigilante to assist in tackling criminals and will be supervised by the police,” said Mr Adamu.

Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, stated that the government issued each of the vigilantes a certificate of participation.