Governor Mohammed Hails Tinubu Over New Battalions in Alkaleri, Tafawa Balewa

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Army High Command for approving the establishment of two new army battalions in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa local government areas.

The governor commended the authorities for the speedy deployment of personnel and the commencement of operations by the battalions, describing the development as a major boost to security in Alkaleri, Tafawa Balewa and the wider state.

Mohammed gave the commendation on Thursday, October 15, 2026, while addressing the State Security Council meeting at the Governor’s Executive Council Chamber in Bauchi.

He also acknowledged Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University for allowing its facility in Tafawa Balewa town to be used temporarily to accommodate the new battalion.

The governor noted that much work remained, directing all security agencies to intensify coordinated ground operations and robust patrols by replicating the successes of Alkaleri across every vulnerable community in the state.

“Our goals are far from finished, and I hereby direct all security agencies in the state to intensify coordinated ground operations and robust patrols, replicating the successes of Alkaleri across every single vulnerable community in Bauchi,” he said.

He urged agencies to replicate operational successes recorded in Alkaleri, Ningi, Ganjuwa and Toro local government areas across other vulnerable communities, and to deny criminals freedom of movement while dismantling their hideouts in forest reserves and border communities.

Mohammed called on security agencies to maintain fairness, neutrality and professionalism, stressing that interventions must not be influenced by political or ethnic affiliations.

On illegal mining, he declared zero tolerance, describing it as a primary breeding ground for banditry and criminal syndicates. He directed the Nigerian Army and other agencies to take decisive action against those involved, irrespective of status, influence or family connections.

He charged the state Commissioner of Police, who chairs the joint security operational structure, to provide effective leadership and strengthen coordination among security agencies.

The governor tasked traditional rulers with improving intelligence gathering, strengthening early-warning systems and resolving communal disputes before they escalate, urging them to monitor seasonal migration to prevent the infiltration of criminal elements.

He warned traditional rulers, community leaders and local government officials against illegal land allocation, harbouring suspicious persons and facilitating unauthorised access to government sites.

“Any traditional ruler, or community leader, or local government council officer found bypassing due process to illegally allocate land, harbor or shield suspicious characters, or facilitate unauthorized access to local government sites will bear the immediate legal sanctions and removal from office,” he warned.

Mohammed assured security agencies of continued government support through logistics, vehicles, communication equipment and tactical resources, pledging that funds for security interventions would be used transparently.

He reiterated the need for supplementary local policing arrangements to complement federal agencies, and called on residents to provide credible and timely information while avoiding rumours and misinformation.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” he said.