Banditry

By Safiyanu Ladan 

The Kaduna State government recently announced that it has entered a peace deal with notorious bandits, particularly in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas. The aim of the deal is to end banditry in the region. This development is a positive step forward.

For years, bandits have wreaked havoc on local communities, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. Their actions have severely disrupted the socioeconomic activities of these areas.

According to the government, the peace deal is yielding positive results. Relative stability has returned to the affected regions. A cattle market that had been closed for decades has resumed operations, and residents can now go about their daily activities without constant fear of attacks or kidnappings.

However, although relative peace has been observed in the northern part of the state over the past few months, the situation in the southern part is significantly different. Recently, residents of Anguwan Ate in Kachia Local Government Area have staged protests due to the ongoing attacks and kidnappings carried out by bandits.

The resurgence of kidnappings in certain areas of the state following the peace deal is concerning. The government and other stakeholders involved in brokering this peace agreement need to reassess the situation and address any existing loopholes to prevent an escalation of violence.

Safiyanu Ladan wrote from Kaduna.

By Uzair Adam  

Fifteen individuals, identified as members of local vigilante groups, lost their lives on Saturday due to an accidental military airstrike in Tungar Kara and surrounding villages in Maradun and Zurmi Local Government Areas of Zamfara State. 

The Daily Reality reports that over 30 others sustained injuries in the incident.  

Residents disclosed that the tragedy occurred after successfully repelling bandits in two separate attacks. 

According to Musa, a resident of Jan-Bako, bandits had invaded the villages on Friday but were driven away by armed locals. 

“On Saturday, the bandits regrouped and returned, but we fought back and chased them out again,” Musa explained.  

While villagers stationed themselves on nearby hills to monitor any potential return of the bandits, a military jet reportedly mistook them for criminals. It launched an attack, resulting in civilian casualties.  

Muhammad Aminu, another local, lamented the tragedy, saying, “After chasing away the bandits, a military fighter jet bombed our people. It is devastating and deeply regrettable.”  

A police officer in Maradun LGA confirmed that most victims were vigilantes and members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) who had been pursuing the fleeing bandits. 

“Their outfits might have led to the mistaken identification as bandits,” the officer added.  

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, extended his condolences to the victims’ families in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris. 

While commending the military’s efforts against banditry, the governor described the incident as an unfortunate error. 

“We pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and will support their families,” the statement read.  

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed it had carried out airstrikes targeting bandits in the area. 

In a separate statement, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said top bandit commanders were neutralized during the operation. 

However, the statement did not directly address the civilian casualties, noting that precision targeting and real-time intelligence were used during the strikes.  

Despite successes reported by the NAF in degrading bandit networks, locals expressed frustration over recurring civilian deaths in military operations. 

This incident brings the total number of deaths from accidental military airstrikes in Nigeria over the past 11 years to 465, according to data compiled by Daily Trust.  

Residents have called for enhanced intelligence-gathering to prevent further loss of civilian lives in the fight against banditry.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bashir Saidu, the chief of staff to Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, was arrested by Operation Fushin Kada, formerly Operation Yaki, on Tuesday.

Mr Saidu, a top political ally of Mr El-Rufai, was rounded up by the operatives of the anti-banditry police outfit in the Rigachikun area, allegedly on the orders of the state government.

Sources said the operatives earlier laid ambush near Mr Saidu’s residence at Coronation Crescent, Kaduna, before pinning him down at Rigachikun.

A source familiar with the development said he was first taken to the Operation Fushin Kada office at Constitution Road, where they took his statement and later arraigned him at a magistrate’s court in Rigasa.

“I wonder why Operation Yaki [Operation Fushin Kada] will involve itself in a clear case of political witch-hunt and repression against loyalists of former Governor El-Rufai.

“The operatives have abandoned their job of protecting the citizens against bandits and kidnappers to harass innocent citizens. It is strange that Operation Yaki is now preparing FIR and filing charges against perceived opponents of the governor.

“Despite giving a satisfactory statement, denying involvement in money laundering and sale of 12 government houses, the operatives nevertheless took Bashir Saidu to court,” said the source.

After hearing the arguments of the prosecution and defence counsel, Magistrate Muhammad Lawal Musa rejected the bail application and ordered the former chief of staff remanded at Kaduna Central Prison.

The case was adjourned to January 21, 2025.

Sources familiar with Kaduna politics said politicians loyal to Mr El-Rufai are currently facing charges either in the state or at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, EFCC or ICPC.

A spokesman for Governor Uba Sani, Ibraheem Musa, could not be reached when filing this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Peace Commission has declared 2024 as a peaceful year free from all kinds of violence.KSPC’s executive vice-chairman, Sale Momale, disclosed this during a meeting jointly organised by the commission and the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), facilitated by AID Foundation in Kaduna.

He said there was no single record of conflict between herders and farmers, and there was no politically-induced violence even during the local government and by-elections of Kaduna.Mr Momale added that there was no violent confrontation bordering chieftaincy disputes or violence over boundary matters.

“We salute and appreciate the people of Kaduna state for making this possible, including our various stakeholders that have worked very hard to make this a practical reality.

“The major challenge in terms of peace and security are the activities of criminal groups and gangs, which are a national and regional dilemma in which the worst affected states in the country are in the North-West geopolitical zone,” he said.

Mr Momale explained that Katsina and Kaduna, as well as Zamfara and Niger, were having the highest issues related to criminal activities by bandits and other associated militant groups.

Mr Momale said despite these issues, the commission has been engaging the state and federal governments and was hopeful that the issues would be addressed soon.

He urged faith-based organisations, NGOs, and the Network of Peace Journalists to collaborate with the commission to campaign to end banditry in Kaduna.

Mr Momale commended the government’s effort to bring peace to Birnin Gwari LGA, saying such efforts should be replicated in other council areas plagued by banditry.

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

For nearly a decade, the North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria has been suffering from the menace of banditry. The bandits who live in the vast forest spanning several states in the Northwest and North-central zones started as cattle rustlers before metamorphosing into fully pledged armed robbers. They attack communities, schools, travellers, etc. Wherever they go, it is a story of killing, kidnapping, rape, arson and other unprintable atrocities. 

Bandits lack the civility of the erstwhile armed robbers. In those days, armed robbers only sought money and valuables like jewellery. Once they had them, they were satisfied and would leave without dropping blood. That is not the case with bandits. When they visit a community or block travellers on highways, they usually start by killing some before kidnapping others. 

Payment of ransom is not a guarantee of getting the kidnapped victim freed. They may collect ransom from relatives and still kill the victim. There are many examples. 

Bandits’ locations and leaders are well known to the Government and members of the communities in which they operate. Many of them serve as the de facto government in their domain of operation. This is not a story I am telling from one of those video clips circulating on social media. Some of my blood relatives have been going to work on the farm of the bandits’ kingpin, who is in charge of their area. 

To agree to live under the protection of an “officer”, the de facto rural government of Jibia and Batsari, a village has to send its elders with some money to go and beg for him to accept them. You may wish to go back to my writeup on “Submission to bandits authority”.

However, an “officer” is not the only bandit leader known to the government and the people. There are more deadly and more popular “officers”. One of them is Ado Aleru, who killed dozens of villagers in Katsina State and told the BBC Hausa service that he doesn’t kidnap; he only kills. Asked to give the number of people he killed, he said it is too large to remember.

Another officer is Bello Turji, who, among other crimes, once burned a passenger bus with 30 people in it days after opening fire on a village market that claimed 60 lives in Zamfara state. He is popular because he speaks frequently to the public. That, however, doesn’t make him the deadliest.

Dogo Gide is another “officer” who was notorious for, among other things, the abduction of 90 students and teachers of FGC Yauri, 11 of whom he married off in the process. 

Among the many popular “officers” is Dankarami, who publicly confessed to killing many combined troops of Nigeria and Niger Republic in addition to kidnapping and killing many innocent citizens in Katsina and Zamfara state. 

The above crime leaders and several others in their category are still alive and active.

The Buhari administration made the first blunder in dealing with the menace of banditry. The federal government under Buhari asked governors of the affected states to strike a peace deal with the bandits. Peace agreements were sealed between some state governments and bandits in 2016 and 2019; in both cases, the latter reneged. 

Unlike what some of their sympathisers would want us to believe, the bandits are not freedom fighters but pure criminals and stark illiterates. The only thing that would make them drop their weapons is a continuous flow of cash from the Government, the kind of cash they make from their criminality. That is unrealistic for a Government struggling to pay its civil servants a paltry minimum wage. Hence, the peace deals were failed under Buhari.

Bandits’ sympathisers who gave Buhari the wrong advice have found their way into the Tinubu Government. The first indication of that is what a young Islamic scholar revealed early this year. The scholar alleged that, under the financial influence of unnamed federal defence officials, some Islamic scholars are campaigning for not just amnesty for bandits but their appointments into public offices by the government. He alleged that he was among those invited to participate in the campaign but refused.

As far as we know, the federal government did not deny Sheikh Koza’s claims. If he had lied, he would have been arrested and asked to name the defence officials. Neither of those things happened.

Then came the kidnap and murder of the Emir of Gobir. With the public outcry that followed, the Federal Government had to show its will to fight banditry. Thus, the Minister of State of Defence and service chiefs were asked to move to Sokoto and end banditry. However, despite the budget, since the movement of the minister and service chiefs to Sokoto, the only bandit of note who was killed/arrested by the Government is Halilu Sububu. Banditry business has continued as usual, even with the presence of our nation’s security heavyweights.

For example, as reported by national dailies, the Funtua-Gusau highway was blocked by bandits on several occasions during this period with no consequences. For frontline local Governments in Katsina state, the attacks became worse. The only place considered safe in my local Government area was Jibia town, the local government headquarters. However, since the so-called “Operation Fansan Yamma” started, Jibia town has lost its safety as bandits attacked, killed and kidnapped with impunity.

As Nigerians were waiting anxiously for the expected miracle due to the presence of security chiefs, the Lakurawa issue came up. According to sources, Lakurawa is a group with similar ideologies to Boko Haram. They have a total number of just 250 in Nigeria and no cases of frequent attacks on communities. Lakurawa militants are said to have been in Nigeria for some years at the instance of some Kebbi communities who sought their protection against bandits. 

The question here is, why is the issue of Lakurawa now being brought up when we have a more serious problem to solve? Lakurawa are obviously not as dangerous as the bandits, and their presence in Nigeria has been linked to the failure of the government to protect citizens from bandits.

From day one, the approach of this and immediate past governments has made Nigerians believe they are not ready to end banditry. If they are now talking about some Lakurawa instead of our real problem, why should we not think they are using it to divert our attention?

My advice to President Tinubu is to remember that he was elected by Nigerians. Ribadu, Badaru, Matwalle or Christoper Musa did not contest and win an election. The president is responsible for appointing his aides, continuously monitoring them, and ensuring they are doing the right thing.

That the officials mentioned above are Northerners is immaterial.

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Fatima Dauda Salihu

Nigeria is a beautiful country with diverse cultures and vibrant people. Unfortunately, insecurity has become a significant problem in recent years, causing many to live in fear and struggle to access essential services. 

Despite being culturally rich and endowed with abundant mineral resources, Nigeria struggles with insecurity primarily due to negligence by the government and its citizens. Nigeria faces insecurity challenges across all six geopolitical zones. This insecurity takes various forms, including insurgency, terrorism, communal clashes, banditry, kidnapping, and piracy, and is fuelled by deep-rooted socio-economic, ethnic, and religious tensions.

The consequences of insecurity in Nigeria are dire, leading to displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, economic stagnation, human rights abuses, and psychological trauma.

Effective governance is critical in addressing insecurity. The government must provide leadership, resources, and policy direction to tackle insecurity. Citizens also have a vital role to play by engaging in community policing, reporting suspicious activities, and promoting tolerance. 

The private sector can also contribute by investing in security initiatives and socio-economic development projects. Civil society organisations can advocate for policy changes and community empowerment. We can restore peace, stability, and prosperity to Nigeria by working together.

Strengthening institutions and promoting good governance, investing in education, enhancing security infrastructure and capacity building, promoting community engagement and conflict resolution, and addressing socio-economic inequalities can help mitigate if not. 

In conclusion, addressing the challenge of insecurity in Nigeria requires a holistic and multifaceted approach that encompasses effective governance, community engagement, strategic coordination among security agencies, and long-term investments in education and socio-economic development.

Ultimately, Nigeria’s future depends on our collective ability to address insecurity and promote peace, stability, and development. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to take action and create a better Nigeria.

Fatima Dauda Salihu wrote from Bayero University, Kano. 

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

In recent times, Nigeria has faced a concerning increase in audacious attacks on its critical national assets and infrastructure. These assaults, carried out by bandits, insurgents, and vandals, threaten the stability and security of the nation. The targeted facilities are essential for the country’s economic growth and public safety. 

On January 14, 2022, the 132 kV Ahoada-Yenagoa transmission line towers belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were vandalised.

On March 28, 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna train was attacked by insurgents. The incident occurred in the evening when the train from Abuja was en route to Kaduna. This attack tragically resulted in casualties and the abduction of several passengers. Train services on the Abuja-Kaduna route were halted for many weeks.

On September 25, 2022, vandals attacked the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) towers 303 and 304 along the Jos road, disrupting electricity to the entire Northeast for weeks.

On June 20, 2024, the rail fittings installed on the Second Niger Bridge were uprooted and vandalised.

On June 11, 2024, insurgents attacked TCN towers T193 and T194 along the Damaturu-Maiduguri 330 kV Single Circuit Transmission Line, leaving Maiduguri and its environs in darkness for weeks.

In July this year, a report published by Thisday Newspaper estimated that Nigeria lost approximately $3.57 billion in just the first five months of 2024 due to oil theft, which was largely attributed to pipeline vandalism and militant activities.

Experts suggest improvements have been made in security measures to protect oil and related assets, with around N50 billion allocated annually for local security contractors. Furthermore, the Joint Task Force (JTF), known as Operation Delta Safe, comprises all branches of the armed forces and Federal Road Safety Corps members to tackle this challenge. The Nigerian Navy has also initiated Operation Delta Sanity to bolster maritime surveillance.

It appears that bandits, vandals, and insurgents are becoming more daring and sophisticated than the strategies implemented to combat and prevent attacks on critical national assets. What needs to be done? 

The government should consider utilizing technology in addition to its boots-on-the-ground strategy. For example, Nigeria can deploy advanced SCADA systems to monitor critical national assets and infrastructure, such as power grids, water treatment plants, oil and gas pipelines, transportation networks, and communication systems. 

Secondly, while the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is doing good work protecting some oil pipelines, it should be retooled, adequately staffed, and better funded. More personnel should be deployed to protect critical power transmission lines and towers, as the core mandate of Civil Defence is safeguarding critical infrastructure—safeguarding government facilities and installations. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) should enhance its manual and high-tech monitoring systems, including drones and real-time surveillance. 

Additionally, the TCN’s public relations strategy should be improved. Showcasing to the world that insurgents can disrupt the northern Nigerian electricity supply was a significant PR blunder, providing free publicity for the bandits, insurgents, and vandals. 

Any country that fails to adequately protect its national assets and infrastructure will compromise its national security, compromising economic stability, public safety, and resilience to disasters, which may result in social disorder. 

For instance, the frustration in the north, caused by nearly ten days of blackouts in the region, stems from an attack on critical national assets—the 330 kV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2. Nigeria’s international respect and reputation are at stake, as protecting critical national assets and infrastructure is integral to global security frameworks. 

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Zainab Abubakar Abba

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been grappling with insecurity for decades. The country’s protracted conflicts, terrorist attacks, and banditry have led to widespread displacement, forcing millions to flee their homes in search of safety.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has ravaged the northeastern region, particularly the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The terrorist group’s relentless attacks on civilians, schools, and religious institutions have resulted in unprecedented displacement. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 2.5 million people have been internally displaced in Nigeria, with the majority being women and children.

In addition to Boko Haram, banditry and kidnappings have become rampant in various parts of the country. The northwestern states of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have borne the brunt of these attacks, with thousands forced to flee their homes. The Nigerian government’s inability to curb these security threats has exacerbated the displacement crisis.

The consequences of displacement are far-reaching. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) face immense challenges, including loss of livelihoods, inadequate shelter, food insecurity, psychological trauma, and lack of access to education. Many IDPs have abandoned their farms, businesses, and livelihoods, leading to economic instability. Overcrowded and unsanitary IDP camps have become breeding grounds for diseases.

The Nigerian government has established the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to coordinate relief efforts. However, critics argue that the government’s response has been inadequate, citing insufficient funding, ineffective security measures, and a lack of durable solutions.

The international community has provided significant humanitarian aid, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of displacement. The United Nations, European Union, and other organisations have provided emergency assistance, supported peace-building initiatives, and advocated for policy change.

Nigeria’s insecurity has resulted in one of the largest displacement crises in Africa. The government, international community, and humanitarian organisations must work together to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity, provide durable solutions, and ensure accountability. The situation demands collective action to stem the tide of displacement and ensure the safety and dignity of Nigeria’s citizens.

Zainab Abubakar Abba wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.

By Habibu Bawa 

Banditry is fast becoming a household name in Nigeria. The  Northwest and parts of north-central Nigeria have been the worst hit since 2012.

Fast forward, bandits have attacked numerous communities across Nigeria, destroying a lot of homes, farms, and markets, killing and kidnapping in schools and highways, which made life unbearable for rural and semi-urban communities. 

According to Ibrahim Dosara, former Commissioner of Information in Zamfara State, between 2011 and 2019, bandits killed at least 2,619 people, kidnapped 1,190, and maimed and displaced hundreds of thousands in Zamfara State alone.

Many describe these attacks as an escalation of farmer-herder conflicts, ethno-religious crises, or a result of population pressure and climate change, which made former President Muhammadu Buhari propose 10,000 hectares per state for rural grazing areas, although unsuccessful, and President Tinubu’s Ministry for Livestock Development.

While past and current governments have made efforts to address banditry, little has been done to support the victims or tackle the root causes of the issue. For successful disease control, the pathogens, vectors, and symptoms have to be addressed while measures are taken to boost the immune system.

For example, the government often mobilises troops, which is usually announced and broadcasted after media reports of bandit attacks. Meanwhile, victims are left to languish in IDP camps. This situation is akin to guarding stables after the horses have escaped.

After each attack, the once agrarian victims battle scanty food, inadequate water supply, and diseases, while some state governments grant amnesty to bandits, leaving victims with only empty promises to rebuild their lives.

Nigeria has helped several other African countries in peacebuilding and peacekeeping, which proves Nigeria’s ability to curtail whatever crisis may arise internally. Thus, banditry is not beyond its control, but success requires sincerity of purpose and decisive actions.

First, the government should use every available means to block arms and ransoms from bandits, as ransom fuels banditry while firearms drive it. A 2019 research by Beacon Consults found over 6 million firearms in circulation in Nigeria, with only one-tenth in the hands of federal security agents. Communities should be educated on the effects of ransom, and severe punishments should be imposed on those who pay ransom.

Secondly, victims should be allowed to exercise their natural right to self-defence, and any funds earmarked for negotiating with bandits should be redirected toward rebuilding the lives and communities of the victims.

Lastly, the government should identify and eliminate bandit sponsors, sympathisers, negotiators, informants, trainers, and advisers. This will hinder the bandits’ ability to recruit, escape, re-strategize, or ethnicise their atrocities.

To end banditry, bandits must be treated as terrorists. Banditry is the greatest threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty today. The military should be well-equipped and deployed to take decisive action. A repentant bandit is one who has joined his ancestors.

Habibu Bawa is a fellow of the PR Nigeria Young Communication Fellowship.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR 

In a dramatic move, Bello Turji, the notorious kidnapper and the most wanted bandit who has claimed responsibility for most prominent terrorist attacks in Northwest Nigeria, released a video clip where his deadly gang surrounded him and passed a vote of confidence in the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.

The terrorists described General Musa as their ‘leader’ “Shugaban mu mai albarka”, and suggested that he should grant Musa Asada (an Islamic scholar) a military or paramilitary appointment. Turji’s expression of loyalty to the military boss suggested an unofficial relationship between him and military insiders.

That aside, for now, Turji’s trending video clip is evidence of system failure, intelligence weakness, and political will to nail the enemies of the state. The military might be challenged, and a terrorist rubbished the ‘technological know-how’ of the giant.

His outlandish accusations sparked widespread debate and concern, with some on social media misinterpreting Turji’s words and using them to question the integrity of the Nigerian military, especially General Christopher Musa’s role in combating insecurity.

As a staunch advocate of good governance, I have long been calling on the government to take more decisive action against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. For the past five to six years, I have consistently raised awareness about the threats posed by these criminal elements to the safety and prosperity of Nigeria, particularly in the North. Unfortunately, much of this advocacy seems to have fallen on deaf ears as banditry continues to ravage communities. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to discuss the issue, especially to analyse the confusion and misinformation that Turji’s statements have caused.

Let it be clear that Turji’s claims are false, and the military has the responsibility of taming him. No evidence supportsthe insinuation that General Christopher Musa is associated with Turji or any criminal network. General Musa has been instrumental in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, including taking decisive action against high-profile criminals like Turji.

Since being appointed CDS, General Christopher Musa has demonstrated endless commitment to restoring peace and order in Nigeria. He has led several strategic military operations aimed at dismantling the networks of bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers that have terrorised communities across the country, especially in the Northwest. One of the most significant achievements under his leadership was the recent elimination of Halilu Sububu, a key figure in the banditry networks terrorising Zamfara and surrounding areas. Sububu’s death dealt a major blow to these criminal gangs, sending shockwaves through their ranks.

It is no coincidence that Turji, now cornered by relentless military pressure, has resorted to making baseless accusations against the institution that has been dismantling his operations. His statement is nothing more than a desperate attempt to divert attention from the military’s successes in combating his criminal activities. Turji, like other criminals of his kind, understands the power of propaganda and is trying to manipulate public perception by targeting prominent figures like General Musa.

Furthermore, Turji’s threats against notable voices such as Bulama Bukarti, Musa Asada, and Bello Yabo, three fearless advocates who have stood against his reign of terror, reflect his growing desperation. These individuals, alongside many others, have been instrumental in raising awareness about the accurate scale of banditry and advocating for more decisive government action to protect communities. Turji’s frustrations with these figures only further reveal the pressure he is under from public opinion and military action.

Despite these military gains, it is essential to recognise that Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the North, require more than just military action. The complexity of the insecurity crisis demands a comprehensive approach that includes social, economic, and political dimensions. The government must continue to invest in addressing the root causes of banditry, which include poverty, lack of education, and underdevelopment in many rural areas.

For the people of the Northwest, the situation has become unbearable. Many can no longer farm their lands, as bandits have taken control of vast territories, instilling fear in local communities. Despite having fertile land, farmers cannot plant crops because of the constant threat of violence. The government must prioritise providing immediate relief to these communities, ensuring they are protected and given the necessary resources to rebuild their lives.

In addition, efforts must be made to strengthen local intelligence networks, improve border security, and ensure that arms do not flow freely into the hands of bandits. Collaboration with neighbouring countries, particularly Niger and Chad, is crucial to stop the transnational flow of weapons and fighters. The government should also foster stronger partnerships with local vigilante groups, civil society organisations, and community leaders who have an intimate understanding of the terrain and the dynamics of banditry.

Nigerians must approach security issues with a balanced and informed perspective. We must avoid being swayed by the propaganda of criminals like Bello Turji, whose only objective is to sow discord and confusion. Rather than focusing on baseless accusations, we should channel our energy into supporting efforts to restore peace and security in affected regions.

General Christopher Musa and the entire military deserve our support as they continue to risk their lives to protect our nation. Their task is enormous, and while there may be challenges along the way, there is no doubt that significant progress is being made. The military’s recent successes, such as the killing of Halilu Sububu, prove that with the right strategy, it is possible to turn the tide against insecurity.

Bello Turji’s recent comments are nothing more than the desperate outbursts of a criminal whose days are numbered. His attempts to drag General Christopher Musa and other figures into his web of lies should be seen as a distraction. Under General Musa’s leadership, the Nigerian military has made notable strides in combating banditry and terrorism, and we must continue to support their efforts.

At the same time, we must recognise the urgency of the situation in the Northwest and other affected regions. A holistic approach that addresses both the security and developmental needs of these communities is essential for lasting peace. Only through a combination of military action, community engagement, and sustained government investment can we finally put an end to the scourge of banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping in Nigeria.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.