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The Banditry Menace in the North West: Challenges, Kingpins, and the Way Forward

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The Banditry Menace in the North West: Challenges, Kingpins, and the Way Forward

By: Zagazola Makama

Banditry has become a persistent and deadly problem in the North West and North Central regions of Nigeria. Unlike the insurgency in the North East, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) operate based on an ideological drive, the violence in the North West is mainly criminal in nature. This criminality, often referred to as “BARAYIN JEJI” (forest bandits), has terrorized local communities through raids, cattle rustling, kidnappings for ransom, killings, and the imposition of illegal levies on farming communities.

Despite ongoing military operations by the Nigerian Security Forces, bandits continue to engage in these sinister activities, creating a seemingly unending cycle of violence and terror in the region. Military campaigns, including Operation Hadarin Daji and other special operations led by the Defence Headquarters’ Joint Task Force (JTF) and ad-hoc military formations such as the 1st, 3rd, and 8th Divisions, have made significant progress. Hundreds of bandits, including top kingpins, have been neutralized in the past year. Yet, banditry continues to plague the region, as new criminal leaders quickly rise to replace those who are taken down.

Notable Kingpins Neutralized

In the last twelve months, the Nigerian military, in collaboration with local militias and security forces, has killed several high-profile bandit leaders, including Kachalla Ali Kawaje, the mastermind behind the abduction of students from Federal University Gusau.

Others include; Kachalla Jafaru, Kachalla Barume, Kachalla Shehu, Tsoho, Kachalla Yellow Mai Buhu, Yellow Sirajo, Kachalla Dan Muhammadu, Kachalla Makasko, Sanda, Abdulbasiru Ibrahim, Mai Wagumbe, Kachalla Begu, Kwalfa, Ma’aikaci, Yellow Hassan, Umaru Na Bugala, Isyaka Gwarnon Daji, Iliya Babban Kashi, Auta Dan Mai Jan Ido, and Yahaya Dan Shama.

Those that were recently nutrialised include; Kacalla Ɗan Baleri, Kacalla Dogo Kwaɗɗi, Lawalli Dodo, Kacalla Naguru, Kacalla Ɗan-Babirki, Kacalla Hana-Zuwa, Kacalla Adamu and the most recently was Kachallah Buzu aka Sububu.

One of the most recent and high-profile deaths was that of Kachalla Buzu, also known as Sububu, a notorious bandit leader. This success, attributed to the intensified efforts of Operation Hadarin Daji in collaboration with Zamfara State’s government-backed militia, has sent ripples through the criminal underworld.

However, despite these victories, the fight is far from over as the bandits continued to engage in hit and run as well as pockets of attacks in vulnerable communities. Rivalries and power struggles between bandit groups have further complicated the situation, leading to violent clashes between factions. For example, since April 2024, a violent feud has broken out between bandit leaders Sani Dangote and Dankarami (also known as Gwaska), leading to the deaths of dozens of bandits. These internal struggles for dominance among the criminal factions, though deadly, only serve to destabilize the region further.

The Rising Threat of Gwaska Dankarami

Gwaska Dankarami, who has emerged as one of the most dangerous and influential bandit leaders in the North West, is currently at the center of the power struggle. His recent attacks on rival bandit factions, including the killing of Sani Dangote’s associates, have positioned him as a major threat not only to the bandits themselves but also to security forces and local communities. Dankarami’s growing power highlights a disturbing reality: as long as one bandit leader is killed, another, often more dangerous, will rise to take their place.

The Turji Question

For many Nigerians, the hope is that the death of Bello Turji, one of the most infamous bandit leaders, would be the turning point in the fight against banditry. Turji’s terror campaign has left a trail of destruction and anguish across the North West, and his demise would undoubtedly bring relief to the families of his many victims.

However, experts warn that the killing of Bello Turji would not mark the end of banditry in the region. There are other bandit leaders, such as Alhaji Shingi, Alhaji Nashama, Ado Allero, Dogo Gide, and Dankarami, who are just as dangerous, if not more so. While Turji’s approach is driven by youthful aggression, older bandits like Nashama command respect and loyalty from other bandit factions, making them even harder to defeat.

Beyond Military Solutions: A Multi-Dimensional Approach

Ending banditry in the North West requires more than just military operations. Although the military has achieved significant victories, their efforts only address a portion of the problem. Banditry is deeply rooted in socio-economic issues such as illiteracy, poverty, and poor governance. The government must address these root causes if there is to be any lasting solution to the conflict.

The Nigerian government has made some efforts to engage local communities in the fight against banditry, notably through initiatives such as the Zamfara State Security Watch, which involves local youth in community security efforts. While this has yielded some positive results, more needs to be done. Authorities must adopt a deliberate and targeted approach, going after the key sponsors of banditry, who operate behind the scenes, often involved in illegal mining and other illicit activities. These sponsors are the true drivers of the conflict, using bandits as pawns to achieve their broader criminal objectives.

The government must also invest in long-term solutions such as education, job creation, and poverty alleviation. These efforts would help to prevent young people from being drawn into banditry in the first place. Furthermore, there must be a political will to tackle corruption and impunity, ensuring that those who support or profit from banditry are brought to justice.

Conclusion

While the military has made significant strides in combating banditry in the North West, the problem remains far from solved. As long as socio-economic issues persist and criminal sponsors continue to operate with impunity, banditry will remain a serious threat to the region’s stability. A multi-dimensional approach, combining military action with governance reforms, community engagement, and economic development, is the only way to ensure long-term peace and security in the North West.

The Banditry Menace in the North West: Challenges, Kingpins, and the Way Forward

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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group

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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group

CELEBRATING PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU

The President/Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, has been announced “MAN OF THE YEAR” by THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News Board of Editors.

The prestigious recognition reaffirmed Mr. President’s exemplary leadership, visionary thinking, and unwavering commitment to transforming the country amid mounting economic and security challenges.

The awards organisers also noted that the President has marched on with courage and determination to change Nigeria for the better, and proven to be a leader who is driven more by convictions and taken decisions which are in the best interest of the nation.

To commemorate this milestone, THISDAY is unveiling a Special Edition on Monday, January 27, 2025, to afford the President’s
aides, friends, well-wishers, and associates the opportunity to share in the joy and pride that the award brings to Mr. President through placement of Congratulatory/Goodwill messages to honour the awardee among other award recipients.

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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group

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Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident

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Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian government has commiserated with the government and people of Türkiye over the fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort that resulted in the death of 66 persons injured over 50 others.

The condolence message was contained in a statement signed by the acting spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The statement read: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express deep condolence to the Government and People of the Republic of Turkiye over the unfortunate fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort.

“The fire, which claimed the lives of 66 persons and injured over 50 others in Bolu Province in Northwestern Turkiye, was reported to have started in the early hours of Tuesday 21st January 2025.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathizes with the Government of the Republic of Turkiye and the families of the victims of the fire incident, and also wishes a speedy recovery of the injured.”

Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident

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Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank

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Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank

By: Mamman Mohammed

The Islamic Development Bank has expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of Yobe state government to partner the bank for an agricultural project.

Mr. Javed khan, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the Bank stated this at a courtesy call on Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, at the Government House, Damaturu.

Khan said the commitment of Yobe state government to meeting its obligations is quite impressive and encouraging.

Khan who led a team from the bank on assessment tour of the state to see for itself the documents developed and the preparations on ground for the project, said the team was convinced with government’s committment to the project.

“We were initially discouraged not to come to Yobe state citing insecurity but, we insisted on coming and are impressed with the peace and security, and the government’s commitment to the project.

“We are working towards a target in the next three months for the state to obtain approval from the bank for the project.

“The working synergy between our team and your team suggests that we will achieve our target within the stipulated time frame” Khan said.

Responding, Governor Buni commended the Bank for not listening to the enemies of progress of the state.

“l am glad you did not listen to them, some of whom have never been anywhere close to Yobe state but giving stories about what they don’t know.

“You are now here and you have seen things for yourselves and can tell the story better. We are ready for this partnership using agriculture to drive the economy of our state and the people.

“All the 17 local government areas in the state are now accessible and the people can access their farms and make this proposed project successful” Buni said.

The Governor explained the importance of agriculture to the people, adding “this project would guarantee food security and economic prosperity in our post insurgency recovery programme.

“The resilience exhibited by our people in embracing agriculture being their major preoccupation to rebuild their lives after the protracted insecurity is very encouraging and need to be supported” he said.

The Governor re-ephasized the readiness of his administration to partner the bank to make agricultural development in the state a huge success story.

Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank

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