Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has called on security agencies to intensify efforts in the fight against bandits and terrorists who could take advantage of the handover event on May 29 to launch attacks in the northern region.
El-Rufai made the plea on Wednesday at the presentation of a security report by the Kaduna state government in the state capital.
The governor called for escalated security operations ahead of the transition period in preparation for increased terrorist activities.
El-Rufai’s words come against the backdrop of the reviewed 2022 annual and first quarter 2023 security reports showing that 1,266 and 4,973 persons were killed and kidnapped in 15 months.
“We appeal for an escalation of security operations over the 39 days remaining till the end of the tenure of this administration and beyond so that the change of baton at the federal level does not result in a dangerous lull that criminal outlaws can exploit”, he said.
Bandits and terrorists have been on a rampage in recent times as states like Kaduna, Benue and Zamfara have recorded increased killings after the conclusion of the 2023 general elections.
