President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the National Park in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State be cleared and made habitable, with plans to establish permanent security bases to curb rising insecurity linked to criminal elements.

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago disclosed this during a presidential intervention programme for the distribution of food, nutritional items, and medical supplies to vulnerable persons affected by the humanitarian crisis in the area.

Bago revealed that persistent terrorist activities in Borgu have displaced over 500,000 residents, many of whom are currently scattered across Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, and Kaduna states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as neighbouring Benin Republic.

He said efforts are underway to facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their communities, noting that the state government is working closely with the Federal Government and development partners to fast-track the reunification of internally displaced persons (IDPs) with their families.

The governor appealed for patience and understanding from affected communities, describing the Federal Government’s intervention as a demonstration of concern and a critical relief effort for those impacted by the crisis.

Also speaking, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, commended Governor Bago for his leadership and commitment to addressing the security challenges facing the area.

He acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that authorities are working tirelessly to restore peace and security.

Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, praised the Federal Government’s humanitarian response and lauded the governor’s efforts toward stabilising the Borgu Emirate.

In separate remarks, the Chairman of Borgu Local Government Council, Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir; the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Inga; and the Jikadan Borgu, commended both federal and state governments for the intervention, noting that it would help alleviate the suffering of residents who have lost their livelihoods.

The event featured the symbolic distribution of food items and relief materials to selected beneficiaries across the Borgu Emirate.