The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has attributed the escalating banditry in the North-West to conflict entrepreneurs who profit from the perpetuation of insecurity in the region. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Mr Matawalle highlighted the economic incentives driving the persistence of banditry, referring to it as a thriving “business”.

According to Matawalle, individuals involved in this illicit enterprise include drug dealers, food and fuel suppliers, and informants, all of whom reap significant financial gains from sustaining the cycle of criminality. He emphasized that these actors have a vested interest in perpetuating insecurity and profiting from the chaos.

Reflecting on his tenure as the Governor of Zamfara, Matawalle recounted instances where basic commodities such as a bottle of coke or a bag of rice, which are ordinarily priced at N100 and N18,000-N21,000 respectively, were being sold at exorbitant rates of N500 and N80,000 in bandit enclaves. This glaring disparity in prices underscores the economic impact of rampant banditry on the livelihoods of local communities.

Furthermore, the minister underscored the collective responsibility of all Nigerians in addressing the security challenges plaguing the nation. He urged unity and collaboration in combating the crisis, recounting proactive measures he initiated during his governorship to avert a potential conflagration in the North.

Matawalle’s resolve to tackle the root causes of banditry was evident as he reiterated the need for concerted efforts to dismantle the intricate network of criminality, encompassing not only the bandits themselves but also their collaborators within the community. He emphasized the necessity of liberating Nigeria from the shackles of conflict entrepreneurs and non-state actors involved in perpetuating violence in the region.

Addressing the prevailing misconception on government negotiations with criminals, Matawalle firmly dispelled such claims, stating unequivocally that the military’s approach encompasses both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. Drawing parallels with the amnesty granted to Niger Delta militants to quell unrest in the region, he emphasized the fundamental disparity between legitimate agitators and opportunistic bandits driven solely by criminal intent.

The minister’s unwavering determination to combat banditry, coupled with his call for a holistic approach targeting all facets of the illicit enterprise, underscores the gravity of the security situation and the imperative to address it comprehensively.

As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of internal security, Matawalle’s insights shed light on the intricate dynamics underpinning the escalating banditry in the North-West, urging a collective resolve to confront and dismantle the nefarious activities of conflict entrepreneurs.