By Samuel Ike, Abuja

Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, has stated that the state government has limited authority over federal security agencies operating within the state, despite governors being recognised as chief security officers of their respective states.

The governor made the remarks while responding to questions on the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody and whether the tragedy could have been prevented through greater state intervention.

Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, Bago explained that agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force and other federal institutions operate under the control of the Federal Government and do not report directly to state governors.

According to him, the operational structure of the country’s security architecture restricts the ability of state governments to directly supervise federal security formations, detention facilities and related institutions within their jurisdictions.

He noted that the state government only becomes actively involved when complaints are brought forward by members of the public, civil society organisations or affected families. In such situations, he said, relevant ministries and agencies of government work to ensure that due process is followed and that concerns are addressed.

The governor added that many cases involving arrests and detentions often remain unknown to state authorities until formal complaints are lodged through the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Women Affairs or the courts.

Bago’s comments come amid growing public concern over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Niger State. The incident has sparked calls for a thorough investigation, with stakeholders demanding accountability and measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.