Former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator, Aminu Tambuwal, has revealed that he engaged with bandits through unofficial channels during his tenure as governor. Tambuwal made this disclosure while discussing the issue of banditry in Nigeria on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today.

According to Tambuwal, banditry in Nigeria is a complex issue that involves both foreign and local elements. He explained that the problem has its roots in the instability in the Sahel region, particularly in Libya, which has led to an influx of arms into the country. Tambuwal noted that the situation has been exacerbated by the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders, allowing foreign elements to participate in banditry.

Tambuwal’s admission of engaging with bandits through backdoor channels highlights the challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in addressing the issue of banditry. He distinguished between Boko Haram, which has a clear command structure and ideology, and bandits, who are driven by criminality and financial gain. Tambuwal noted that bandits often fight among themselves, making it difficult to understand their motivations and leadership structure.

The issue of banditry has been a major concern in Nigeria, with many communities affected by kidnappings, killings, and other forms of violence. The Nigerian government has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some accusing it of not doing enough to addresses the root causes of the problem.

Tambuwal’s comments provide insight into the complexities of the issue and the need for a multi-faceted approach to address it. He emphasized the importance of understanding the history and context of the problem, which dates back to the 1980s. By acknowledging the involvement of foreign elements and the need for better border control, Tambuwal’s remarks highlight the significance of regional and international cooperation in addressing the issue of banditry in Nigeria.