Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State recently held a series of closed-door meetings with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, focusing primarily on escalating security concerns and broader governance matters.

A key issue discussed was the worsening security situation in Bauchi, particularly in Alkaleri Local Government Area, where bandit activities have intensified around ungoverned forest regions such as the Daji Dam axis.

The governor briefed the President on his firsthand assessment visits to affected communities alongside security chiefs and submitted a detailed report requesting urgent federal intervention.

President Tinubu reportedly responded positively, issuing immediate directives and assuring federal support to address the crisis.

Beyond immediate intervention, Governor Mohammed proposed long-term solutions, including a joint security summit involving Bauchi and neighboring states such as Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe .

This was in a bid to strengthen coordinated efforts against banditry operating across shared forest corridors.

He emphasized that Bauchi, which has enjoyed relative stability for nearly two decades, must not allow insecurity to undermine renewed investor interest, particularly in mining and emerging oil and gas opportunities.

The governor also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralizing policing would ease pressure on federal forces and improve accountability.

While affirming Bauchi’s readiness to adopt the system once constitutional approvals are finalized.

The meetings also attracted political attention following the defection of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri from the PDP to the ruling APC, leaving Mohammed as the only PDP governor in the North East.

Addressing speculation about his own political future, Mohammed firmly denied any intention to defect, reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP and emphasizing that his engagement with the President was strictly for governance and national interest.

He maintained that the PDP remains resilient despite recent defections, citing its performance in the FCT council election.

Where it secured one chairmanship seat and multiple councilor positionsm as evidence of its continued relevance, while stressing that collaboration with the Federal Government remains essential for addressing pressing security challenges.