Governor Abdullahi Sule has raised an alarm over the proliferation of illegal production of small arms and ammunition in Nasarawa State.
He made this known in an opening remark on Monday during an expanded security meeting at the Government House in Lafia.
The Governor who recalled the recent visit of the Zonal Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons said the situation poses a great security threat.
According to him, the Centre had provided the list of persons involved in the act which he the number was alarming.
“They have given us the list of all those producing these weapons here in Nasarawa State, and the number is alarming.
“We have to discuss it and find a way out of it. Some of them are actually at our backyard. Our traditional rulers are not even aware of what is happening. But I am happy with the intelligence report at our disposal, with the security operatives able to communicate with some of these people,†he said.
Governor Sule also raised alarm over the influx of fleeing bandits into the State from neighbouring Plateau State which poses a security threat.
According to them, an intelligence report has identified some of these Bandits around the Mangar and Ambaka areas of the Wamba Local Government Area, as well as in the Lafia East Development Area.
“The security crisis recently around Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau State while it's still ongoing, has led to a lot of migration of people with some of those bandits crossing into our state mostly from Mangu and Bokkos area,†the Governor further stated.
Other security issues raised by Governor Sule include the movement of Fulani herders in border areas, activities of the notorious Yan Shara cult group and mining in areas where lithium has been discovered in commercial quantities.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Maiyaki, disclosed that fruitful resolutions were arrived at meant to protect the relative peace in the state.
“We just had an expanded security meeting convened by Governor Sule in respect to the security situation of the state. Among other things discussed mostly are issues of kidnapping, banditry, issues of mining sites, as well as movement of herders.
“The security meeting took a decision over these issues. We are able to reach fruitful resolutions aimed at bringing the situations under control. Security agencies have agreed to work together as a team,†he said.
CP Maiyaki reiterated the commitment of security agencies to nib the activities of the Yan Shara cult group.
“The issue of Yan Shara in Keffi was also discussed during the meeting. And we have resolved that we must collectively come together and checkmate the activities of Yan Shara in the Keffi axis. HRH the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, has assured us of his cooperation to achieve success,†the Police Commissioner stated.