Kontagora Local Government in Niger State has unveiled a community-driven security programme designed to strengthen neighbourhood vigilance, enhance intelligence sharing, and effectively curb emerging threats across communities statewide.
Furthermore, the initiative, championed by Council Chairman Barrister Lawal Yusuf, was formally introduced through traditional authorities overseeing the eastern and western districts of the local government.
However, officials present at the event which was held yesterday noted rising concerns about residents renting properties to unfamiliar individuals without verification, a lapse considered dangerous amid population movements and evolving security challenges.
Hence, community leaders said understanding neighbours’ identities and activities will help deter crime, protect lives and property, and reinforce collective responsibility for maintaining peace locally.
AFRIPOST reports that lately, Niger communities have witnessed increased attacks by criminal elements including religious terrorists and bandits.
Last year, over 300 students and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school in Papari, a Niger community, a tragedy that drew worldwide condemnation.
Also, two days ago, gunmen stormed a market in a Niger community, rounding up traders and buyers and killing over 30 of them while kidnapping an unknown number of persons as well.