The Niger State Government has issued a two-month notice to people living in hamlets and small settlements around Kainji Lake to vacate the area for resettlement. The move is part of a broader security plan aimed at tackling rising criminal activities and restoring peace in the area.
The directive was announced by Governor Muhammad Umar Bago during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad-Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV, at his palace in New Bussa. The governor was in the area to sympathise with the Emir and the people of the Borgu Emirate following a recent terrorist attack that claimed several lives.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, said the relocation exercise would be carried out in collaboration with the Borgu Emirate Council. According to the statement, those affected will be resettled in safer locations to prevent further loss of lives and property.
Governor Bago explained that the decision to relocate people living around Kainji Lake was taken to avoid what he described as “collateral damage” during ongoing and planned security operations in the area. He said the state government, working with the Federal Government and security agencies, was determined to clear the forests around the lake.
According to him, criminals and terrorists have been using the forests and difficult terrain around Kainji Lake as hiding places and operational camps. He said these activities have made the area unsafe for ordinary residents, especially those living in remote hamlets with little or no security presence.
“Kainji Lake and the surrounding forests have unfortunately become a safe haven for criminal elements. To effectively deal with this threat, we must first move innocent people out of harm’s way,” the governor said.
He added that clearing the forests would allow security forces to operate freely and flush out bandits, terrorists and other criminals who have been terrorising communities in the area. The governor stressed that the safety of lives and property remained the top priority of his administration.
Kainji Lake, which spans parts of Niger and Kebbi states, is not only a major source of hydroelectric power but also supports fishing, farming and other economic activities. Over the years, several small communities have sprung up around the lake, many of them without proper records or government presence.
Governor Bago expressed concern over what he described as the uncontrolled influx of people into the Borgu Emirate and surrounding areas. He said many of the new settlers were not properly profiled, making it difficult for security agencies to distinguish between law-abiding citizens and criminals.
He warned that the activities of informants within communities had also made security operations more difficult. According to him, sensitive information about military and security movements often leaks to criminal groups, allowing them to escape or launch counter-attacks.
The governor therefore called on the Borgu Emirate Council to take a more active role in addressing security challenges. He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to work closely with security agencies and government officials at both state and federal levels.
“Traditional institutions are closer to the people. You know who lives in your communities. We need your support to identify strangers, expose informants and help security agencies do their work,” Bago said.
During the visit, the governor expressed his condolences to the Emir, the people of Borgu Emirate and families who lost loved ones in the recent attack. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and assured the community that the government would not abandon them.
Also speaking during the visit, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, said the Federal Government was equally committed to restoring peace and security across the country, including Niger State.
Dr. Abdullahi described the proposed relocation of communities around Kainji Lake as a necessary step to address insecurity. He said it would be a welcome development if concrete actions were taken to resettle affected people properly while the forest areas are reclaimed.
“If people are safely relocated and the forest is cleared, the land can later be put to better use for the benefit of the communities,” the minister said.
He added that peace and security are critical for agricultural activities and food production, especially in rural areas. According to him, insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon their farms, contributing to food shortages and high prices.
Responding to the governor’s remarks, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad-Haliru Dantoro, pledged the full cooperation of the Emirate Council in tackling insecurity. He said the safety of lives and property was of utmost importance to him and other traditional leaders.
The Emir promised to work with relevant authorities to identify and deal with informants who aid criminal activities in the area. He said such actions endanger the entire community and must not be tolerated.
“We will not allow criminals or their supporters to hide among our people. Anyone found to be aiding insecurity will face the law,” the Emir said.
He also assured the governor that no effort would be spared in ensuring peace returns to the emirate. According to him, traditional rulers, community heads and youth leaders would be mobilised to support security agencies.
The Emir thanked Governor Bago for the condolence visit and described it as a show of genuine concern for the people of Borgu Emirate. He reassured the governor of the Emirate’s continued support for government policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
The planned relocation, however, is expected to affect many families who depend on fishing, farming and trading around Kainji Lake. While the government has said resettlement will be handled by the Emirate Council, details of where and how the people will be relocated are yet to be made public.
Some residents have expressed concern about their livelihoods and access to basic services in new locations. Others, however, say they are willing to cooperate if it will bring lasting peace and security.
They note that while military operations are important, long-term solutions must also include proper resettlement, community engagement and economic support for displaced persons.
As the two-month notice period begins, attention will be on how the Niger State Government and the Borgu Emirate Council handle the resettlement process. Many residents hope the exercise will be carried out humanely, with adequate support to help them rebuild their lives.