TheCable

The Niger government says it is working with the federal government on deploying drones to tackle security challenges in the state.

Ahmed Matane, secretary to the Niger state government, said this on Tuesday during an interview with NAN.

Matane said the state government is also working with the police, army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the air force and the local vigilance groups on measures to address security threats.

“In Niger state, we are working with the federal government to deploy drones and other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to tackle the security challenges facing the state owing to our large landmass,” he said.

“The state government is spending huge sums of money to maintain the security agencies to carry out their duties.

“The major unsecured local government areas we have in Niger state are Rafi, Munya, Shiroro Mariga, Mashegu and Lapai.

“Many of these suspected bandits cross over from the neighbouring states to cause havoc in Niger state and go back to those states.

“Sometimes, when they come to rustle cattle, they also kidnap people. Recently, we traced 18,000 cattle rustled in Niger state to Zamfara state.”

According to him, border routes linking the state to Kaduna, Zamfara, Kogi and Kebbi are used by suspected bandits to attack communities in Niger.

He called for the recruitment of more security personnel and deployment of equipment to the state.

Matane also urged residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.