The Chief of Defence Operations, Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, has said that the Nigerian Armed Forces do not support financial payment to bandits terrorizing different states across the country.

Onumajuru stated that experience had shown that such an action does not work. He noted that rather than pay bandits, the armed forces have a national DDR programme anchored around Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State and Zamfara State for the North-East and North-West regions, respectively.

The Chief of Defence Operations stated that communities must feel a sense of belonging and responsibility to help strengthen Nigeria’s borders.

Meanwhile, troops of the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), supported by Air Component and local security outfits, have neutralized over 20 terrorists in a week-long operation in various parts of Borno State.

A statement from Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, stated that several terrorists’ logistics suppliers and collaborators were arrested during the operations. He said the military high command had commended troops for their determination and dexterity, and assured them of unwavering support to sustain the fight against insurgency.

However, the wave of banditry in Sokoto State has reached an alarming level, with criminal gangs allegedly tightening their deadly grip on 16 out of the state’s 23 local councils, leaving residents devastated, displaced, and increasingly hopeless.

On Monday, hundreds of men, women, and children from Shagari Local Council staged a mass protest, blocking the Sokoto–Lagos Trunk A Highway. They expressed anger over relentless attacks that have crippled their communities and demanded urgent government action to stem the tide of killings and abductions.

They alleged that the government had abandoned them to the mercy of bloodthirsty gangs who roam their villages unhindered. However, Special Adviser to Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Aminu Liman Bodinga, confirmed the “unfortunate happenings” in the affected communities and acknowledged the protests in Shagari. He gave the assurance that the government would take steps to restore peace. (The Guardian)