The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, says the lingering banditry in the North-West and North – Central Nigeria has international dimension. Adamu said this during a town-hall meeting on peace and security held on Wednesday in Zuru, headquarters of Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
“We have realised that most of the banditry has international dimension. The bandits come from outside the country. We arrested Sudanese, Nigeriens and Malians, among other nationals. We also believe that because of what is happening in the North-East and the fact that the military troops are doing a great job in the ight against insurgency there, most of the bandits are running toward the North-West of the country and we have evidence.
“When we operated in Kaduna, Birnin Gwari, where we attacked a group of bandits, we realised that most of them came from Islamic State of West Africa, who are terrorists, kidnapping for ransom. So, the issue is not at the level you are looking at it, it is a big issue and we must work together to address it.
“This is why President Muhammadu Buhari does not rest because of these complaints coming from the North-West and North-Central on banditry,” the IGP said.
He said he came with a high powered delegation , comprising the heads of intelligent community in the country.
“This is because of the seriousness the president attaches to security and the rising security challenges that are happening in the North-West in particular.
“During one of our briefings on security to the president, the issue of insecurity was seriously discussed as it affects the North -West in particular and we saw an emerging trend from Zuru Emirate.
“And the president ordered us to move to Zuru and listen to the stakeholders and come up with a solution on how to bring lasting peace in Zuru Emirate and that’s why we are here. “The security situation in the North-West, including North-Central, are issues that bordered on kidnapping, banditry and insurgency,” he further said.
Adamu urged every Nigerian to see the fight against insecurity as a collective responsibility.
“As a responsible and law abiding association we will not allow the situation to deteriorate because we always believe two wrongs do not make a right,” the president said.
In a remark, the Chairman of Yan Sa Kai, Mr Mani Giwa, said that the Zuru people were known for their hospitality and peace-loving attributes.
“What is happening in Zuru today is that some people have taken up arms for the past three years, killing our farmers, destroying their farms and houses, raping, kidnapping and displacing them.”
