Bauchi government confirms Boko Haram infiltration in four local councils

Boko Haram insurgents from neighboring Yobe State have infiltrated four local government areas of Bauchi State, destroying some facilities.

The state government which spoke after the vandalisation of a telecommunication mast in Gamawa, confirmed how vulnerable to terrorists attacks those affected LGAs have become.

Alhaji Sabiu Baba, the Secretary to the State Government, who addressed newsmen after an emergency meeting between the Governor and head of security agencies, said the suspected terrorists had the intention of blocking communication in preparation of attacks points to imminent danger.

Baba revealed that five people have been arrested in connection with the mast vandalisation, and also identified the affected LGAs as Gamawa, Zaki, Dambam and Darazo.

He said;

“This influx of the displaced people has put the state under security threat, our facilities are now overstretched and we are not comfortable with the development.

“Security strategies have been developed to ensure the threat does not turn into attack in the state. We have decided to commence profiling of all the people coming into Bauchi State particularly in the four affected LGAs will be done to discover those with dangerous weapons and demonise them.

“The State Government will ensure the joint operations of the security agencies will be intensified particularly air surveillance around the affected LGAs.

“Some bandits have been arrested for vandalising the MTN installation in Gamawa LGA with the intention of blocking communication in the area in preparation for attack.

“As for those that are displaced persons, government officials will identify them in order to provide relief materials for their well-being because government will not just watch them suffer.

“The gateway LGAs are Gamawa, Dambam, Darazo and Zaki which are sharing boundaries with Yobe state and close to the seized Geidam by Boko Haram militants.”

The SSG also revealed that Governor Bala Mohammed has provided the needed support to security agencies to intensify patrol and surveillance.