North-West Governors won’t negotiate with bandits — Gov. Aliyu

North-West Governors won’t negotiate with bandits — Gov. Aliyu

From Bashir Rabe Mani

Governor Ahmed Aliyu has declared that governors in Nigeria’s North-West region will not negotiate with bandits, insisting that only unconditional surrender will be accepted.

The governor made the statement in Katsina during the commissioning of the N12.6 billion, 8.1-kilometre Yandaki–Shinkafi–Kofar Sauri Road, executed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

According to a statement issued by his media aide, Aliyu said the North-West governors are united in their determination to end insecurity, noting that substantial resources are being committed to combat banditry across the region.

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

He reassured residents that state governments, in collaboration with security agencies, are intensifying efforts and refining strategies to restore peace.

Aliyu also urged communities to support security operations by exposing informants, stressing that bandit attacks often involve local collaboration.

“We must remain vigilant and monitor suspicious movements within our communities,” he added.

The governor further highlighted the role of community-based security initiatives, revealing that Sokoto established its Community Guard Corps after observing a similar model in Katsina.

He commended Governor Radda, Chairman of the North-West APC Governors’ Forum, for his leadership and commitment to strengthening regional security efforts.