Bauchi Vigilante Agency Deepens Collaboration to Curb Cross-Border Crimes, Sustain Peace
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment Agency (BSVYEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing cross-border crimes and sustaining peace through stronger collaboration with neighboring states and other security agencies.
The Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Umar Shayi, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Bauchi.
He said the agency, established on August 15, 2023, and fully operational since February 2024, was created to combat various forms of criminality including kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cattle rustling, and thuggery.
According to him, the agency has intensified surveillance and operations along border communities linking Kaduna, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, Plateau, Yobe, and Jigawa States to prevent criminal infiltration and promote regional security coordination.
Shayi, who also serves as Assistant Commandant General (Operations) of the Nigeria Hunters and Forestry Security Service, attributed the agency’s success to synergy among security formations and active intelligence sharing by citizens.
“Our forests across Bauchi are now safer due to effective collaboration with the Police, Army, Civil Defence, and residents who provide timely intelligence. Together, we have ensured that criminals find no safe haven,” he said.
He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his consistent support in strengthening the agency through improved logistics, welfare, and legal backing.
“The governor has equipped us with vehicles, motorcycles, and operational offices across the 20 local government areas, which has greatly boosted our response capacity,” Shayi added.
The Director-General appealed to traditional and religious leaders, as well as the public, to report suspicious movements and cooperate with security operatives.
He further urged both federal and state governments to deploy additional personnel to enhance security coverage.
“The fight against crime is a collective responsibility. We remain committed to ensuring that Bauchi remains one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria,” he assured.
