North-West Governors Rule Out Talks with Bandits, Vow Tough Security Push

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Governors across Nigeria’s North-West zone have hardened their stance on insecurity, declaring an end to negotiations with bandits as they intensify efforts to restore stability in the troubled region.

The position was restated by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, during the inauguration of the N12.6 billion Yandaki–Shinkafi–Kofar Sauri Road in Katsina State.

Aliyu said the governors were united in their resolve to confront armed groups decisively, insisting that dialogue had failed to deliver peace.

“We will not negotiate with any criminal, nor accept any terms from them unless they surrender unconditionally,” he said.

He noted that governments in the region were ramping up investments in security infrastructure while deepening collaboration with security agencies to dismantle bandit networks responsible for years of violence.

The governor also urged residents to play a more active role in tackling insecurity, stressing the importance of vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activities. According to him, many bandit operations thrive due to the support of informants within communities.

“We must remain alert and monitor movements within our communities to prevent infiltration by criminal elements,” he added.

Aliyu expressed confidence that ongoing measures would yield results, calling for sustained public cooperation and prayers for security operatives engaged in the fight against banditry.

He commended Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, for establishing the State Community Guard, describing it as a critical support structure for conventional security agencies.

According to him, Sokoto State has adopted a similar model after observing its effectiveness in Katsina, noting that community-based initiatives were increasingly proving useful in addressing local security challenges.

Aliyu further lauded Radda, who chairs the North-West APC Governors’ Forum, for coordinating collective action among governors to tackle insecurity.

The event underscored renewed political will among leaders in the zone to strengthen joint operations and sustain a coordinated offensive against banditry and other violent crimes threatening the region’s stability.