SDP Accuses Niger Govt of Hoarding Armoured Vehicles Amid Insecurity

The Social Democratic Party in Niger State has accused Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of prioritizing his 2027 re-election ambition over the safety of residents. This comes amid rising attacks, kidnappings, and killings across the state. The party alleged that armoured personnel carriers purchased by the state government to combat insecurity have remained parked at Government House for over two years.

The accusation follows the alleged abduction of 50 pupils of an Islamic school in Maikujeri, Rafi Local Government Area, by gunmen suspected to be bandits. The pupils were reportedly abducted while working on a farm belonging to one of their teachers, who was also taken away. The SDP governorship candidate's spokesperson, Johnathan Vatsa, blamed the governor for the government's failure to adequately equip security agencies.

Vatsa noted that security agencies in the state lack operational vehicles and other essential equipment to confront armed groups. He added that government responses to attacks have largely been limited to condemnations and condolence messages. According to him, the current situation has overwhelmed the security agencies due to the government's failure to properly equip them.

The SDP spokesperson questioned why the armoured personnel carriers, allegedly purchased by the administration in its early days, had not been released to security agencies. He claimed the vehicles had remained unused at Government House for more than two years despite persistent attacks on communities. Vatsa asked what the armoured vehicles were meant for, suggesting they were not for protecting the governor during campaigns.

Vatsa faulted the government's alleged explanation that the vehicles had not been released because security agencies lacked the capacity to maintain them. He described this excuse as an attempt to shift blame and argued that the governor was prioritizing his personal safety over that of the larger population. The SDP spokesman maintained that the abduction of the pupils and recurring attacks could have been prevented if security agencies were adequately equipped.

The SDP spokesman urged the governor to release the armoured vehicles and take concrete measures to protect residents rather than focus on political activities ahead of the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the vehicles were bought with taxpayers' money to address security challenges in the state. The party's concerns come as insecurity continues to plague Niger State, with residents increasingly vulnerable to attacks and kidnappings.

However, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, dismissed claims that the vehicles were being withheld by the state government. The government has yet to provide a detailed response to the SDP's allegations. The development has sparked a fresh debate about the government's handling of insecurity in Niger State and its priorities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Key points

• SDP accuses Niger State government of hoarding armoured vehicles meant for security agencies
• 50 pupils abducted by bandits in Maikujeri, Rafi Local Government Area
• Governor Bago accused of prioritizing 2027 re-election over residents' safety