The Defence Headquarters’ decision to look into the sponsorship of banditry in the North West geopolitical zone has the support of Sani Shinkafi, a previous candidate for governor and former assistant to Bello Matawalle, the governor of Zamfara State.

In an official declaration he endorsed on behalf of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Shinkafi characterised the action as a much-needed and positive step towards the achievement of long-term stability, security, and progress in the area.

He said that in spite of the murders, kidnappings for ransom, property damage, levies and taxes, and the uprooting of people from their communities by these criminal elements, there is cause for concern and a coordinated military campaign to destroy them and re-establish national security.

Our stance is in line with that of Nigeria’s top military command, Defence Headquarters. No matter their level or standing in the nation, everyone or any group found wanting during the investigation should be held fully accountable by the law, according to a statement signed by the group’s executive director, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi.

For nefarious political purposes, some dishonest politicians have begun utilising banditry as a campaign tactic against their rivals.

“Those who are using innocent people’s lives and property for political gain should also be investigated by the Defence Headquarters.” The security issues are also used by other public office holders as a means of redirecting and stealing public cash for their own financial gain.

Since President Bola Tinubu instructed General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Dr. Bello Matawalle, the State Minister for Defence, to move to the Sokoto 8 Division of the Nigerian Army command and eradicate banditry in the North West while he was in China, the military has been known to have performed admirably.

The removal of a number of infamous bandit leaders, such as Jamilu Nazakiru and Kachalla Halilu Sububu, who terrorised the rural inhabitants of Bungudu and Maru, is a positive outcome of that order.

“The Dansadua axis saw the neutralisation of infamous bandit leaders Sani Black and Danbaleri Mashekari and their groups, marking another military victory.”

Wala Baburki, a bandit kingpin in Katsina State who terrorised the rural communities of Batseri, Kankara, and Kankia, was eliminated along with his crew.

“Given the above, it is clear that the President’s directive—which called for the deployment of General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Minister of State for Defence Matawalle to Sokoto to coordinate the war on banditry—has been successful. It is a powerful example of the collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and security agencies in the pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity for the country.”