Niger Govt tackles trust gap, informant issues in new security framework – Magaji

Commissioner for Homeland Security Barr. Morice Magaji announced that the Niger State Government has pinpointed significant gaps in community trust and information sharing as major obstacles to combating insecurity.

The remarks were made on Friday in Minna during a press briefing held to mark the administration’s third anniversary.

Magaji said that a key problem is the presence of informants who either compromise intelligence or betray their communities, thereby weakening security operations and eroding public confidence.

He explained that the government has responded by establishing a structured framework aimed at rebuilding trust between citizens and security agencies, with a strong focus on confidentiality and the protection of shared intelligence.

“We noticed gaps, especially in confidence within communities and in information sharing. That is why we had to come up with a framework to build the confidence of our people,” he said.

The commissioner added, “We also had to assure our communities that any information they give us will be treated as confidential, so we can get more intelligence and work better with security agencies.”

Magaji noted that, under Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s directive, the state has adopted a proactive security posture designed to anticipate threats and stay ahead of emerging risks.

He revealed that a standing security committee, comprising relevant agencies, has been set up and meets regularly to assess challenges and coordinate responses across the state.

The commissioner further said that traditional institutions have been fully integrated into the security architecture as the first line of intelligence gathering, while community advocacy has been intensified to encourage residents to report suspicious activities such as unusual stockpiling of food items, fuel, and other essentials.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation Mr. Obed Nana also said the briefing was organised to showcase the administration’s key achievements over the past three years.

He said government efforts remain focused on sustainable growth, economic prosperity, and inclusive development, and urged journalists to maintain objectivity in their reporting in the interest of peace and unity.

“The purpose of this briefing is to showcase the achievements recorded by this administration over the past three years and to highlight ongoing efforts toward repositioning the state for sustainable development,” he said.