Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State reiterated that officials in Nigeria’s north‑west will not engage in negotiations with bandits during the inauguration of a new road project in Katsina State on Thursday. Aliyu emphasized that the region’s governors are united in confronting insecurity and have allocated substantial resources to curb banditry.
Speaking to a crowd of local dignitaries and residents, the governor stated, “We will not negotiate with any criminal, nor will we accept any offer from them unless they surrender unconditionally.” He added that state governments are coordinating closely with federal security agencies to eradicate bandit activities that have plagued the north‑west for several years.
Aliyu called on communities to play an active role in the security effort. “We must do the needful at the community level by remaining vigilant and monitoring the movement of suspicious individuals,” he said, urging citizens to report informants and any unusual activity to the authorities.
The governor praised Katsina State’s Community Guard programme, describing it as a valuable contribution to improving local safety. He appealed to the public for support of the initiative and asked that prayers be offered for the success of the collective anti‑bandit campaign.
Background
Banditry in Nigeria’s north‑west, which includes the states of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger, has escalated since 2018, resulting in hundreds of deaths, mass displacement and widespread livestock theft. Security operations by the Nigerian Army, police and state vigilante groups have achieved mixed results, prompting calls for a more coordinated approach.
In recent months, the federal government has deployed additional troops and launched joint task forces with state security outfits. However, state governors have stressed that military action must be complemented by community intelligence and a firm stance against any form of negotiation with armed groups.
Implications
Aliyu’s declaration underscores a continued policy of zero tolerance toward bandit negotiations in the north‑west. By linking community involvement with state‑level security measures, the governor seeks to strengthen the intelligence network that underpins counter‑bandit operations. The emphasis on unconditional surrender aligns with federal directives that reject ransom or amnesty deals.
The inauguration of the road project, funded jointly by Sokoto and Katsina governments, is presented as part of broader infrastructure development intended to spur economic activity and reduce the socio‑economic drivers of insecurity.
Next steps
State authorities plan to intensify joint patrols with security agencies and expand community‑based surveillance mechanisms. Ongoing dialogue with traditional leaders and civil society groups is expected to reinforce the reporting of suspicious movements. Monitoring the effectiveness of these measures will be critical as the region strives to restore stability and protect civilian lives.
