Surprise and shock spread across Nigeria and beyond as a video surfaced on social media showing thousands of bandits celebrating Sallah in Zamfara State.
Many view this development as a significant failure of Nigeria’s security setup.
The video was made public by a counter-insurgency analyst and security expert focusing on the Lake Chad region, Zaga Zula Mahama, on Thursday, April 18, and has since sparked reactions from Nigerians.
The footage depicted thousands of bandits participating in the Sallah festivities.
Nigerians have endured various forms of suffering due to the activities of these bandits, especially in the North West and North Central regions, where the bandits have made life incredibly difficult for the populace.
In the past, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have been held captive by these bandits, with demands for ransoms running into millions for their release.
Those unable to meet the exorbitant ransom demands have faced brutal killings, while many others have succumbed to torture or harsh conditions in the forests and thick bushes where the bandits often hold their captives.
In certain states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Niger, some local government areas operate under the control of bandits, who brazenly impose and collect taxes from residents without fear of repercussions.
Despite reassurances from the military that they are tackling the situation, the bandits continue to unleash pain, sorrow, and death on a monthly basis.
The persistent escalation of the crisis has led many to question the credibility of the information provided by the military concerning the counter-insurgency efforts.
Repeated claims of neutralizing scores of bandits in various locations, including Zamfara, have come under scrutiny, given the substantial number seen in the viral video.
Some speculate that the bandits released the video to assert their influence backed by powerful individuals in society.
Expressing doubt about the military’s reports on operations against the bandits, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the president of the Middle Belt Forum, highlighted the ongoing challenges and the need for comprehensive security reforms.
Emphasizing the importance of restructuring the country for enhanced security provision at regional levels, he remarked on the inherent diversity of perspectives on national unity.
Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the coordinator of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, criticized the government for its perceived laxity in addressing the banditry menace, evident from the bandits’ bold public display during the Sallah celebration.
He underscored the continuous recruitment of new members by the bandits, complicating efforts to curtail their activities and urging more decisive action from the authorities.
Former Katsina State House of Assembly member, Alhaji Shehu Yusuf, echoed concerns over deep-rooted support for the bandits within communities, emphasizing the necessity of targeting not only the bandits but also their collaborators and sponsors for stringent legal consequences.
Yusuf highlighted the baffling knowledge and complacency of locals regarding the bandits’ operations, signaling a distressing lack of effective intervention by the government.
He urged a comprehensive crackdown on all facets of support for the bandits, including influential figures shielding them from justice.
The bandits, once arrested by security agents and taken into custody, often manage to escape, whether from the court, police cell, or military cell. Eventually, they are reintegrated into society despite efforts to detain them,” a source shared in dismay. The lack of legal consequences emboldens their supporters to facilitate their release each time they are apprehended.
Concerns were raised about the potential for communities to resort to vigilante actions due to the recurring issue. An incident in Zamfara State highlighted this possibility when groom’s relatives thwarted bandits attempting to abduct a bride. The relatives retaliated, resulting in the death of one bandit, the retrieval of their weapons, and handing them over to the military.
Questions were raised about the effectiveness of the military and security forces in combating banditry. The use of basic technology like drones for surveillance and quick response was suggested to track down and neutralize the bandits. The delay in obtaining permissions for interventions often allows the bandits to escape before any action is taken.
The continuous loss of young military personnel in confrontations with bandits was emphasized, calling for decisive government action. Recent casualties in Niger State, including six military officers, highlighted the urgency for a more effective approach to address the escalating violence. The need for swift government intervention to prevent further loss of lives was underscored.
The community’s knowledge of the bandits and their whereabouts was seen as an opportunity for the government to take proactive measures. It was emphasized that the government should prioritize action over making excuses for the bandits’ continued impunity.