North-West Governors Rule Out Negotiations With Bandits

Governors in Nigeria’s North-West region have ruled out any form of negotiation with armed bandit groups, reaffirming a coordinated hardline approach aimed at restoring security across affected communities.

The position was restated by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, during the commissioning of the N12.6 billion Yandaki–Shinkafi–Kofar Sauri road project in Katsina State.

Aliyu said the governors of the region remain united in their resolve to confront criminal groups directly, stressing that peace cannot be achieved through dialogue with armed actors.

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

He noted that state governments are scaling up investments in security infrastructure and strengthening collaboration with security agencies to dismantle bandit networks operating across the region.

The governor also urged communities to support ongoing security operations by reporting suspicious movements, warning that some criminal activities depend on local informants and collaborators.

According to him, community vigilance remains critical to the success of security efforts, alongside sustained cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Aliyu further commended Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, for establishing the Community Guard initiative, describing it as a valuable complement to conventional security operations. He said Sokoto State had adopted a similar model after observing its impact.

The remarks reflect a renewed regional consensus among North-West governors to intensify coordinated action against banditry and other violent crimes destabilising parts of the region.

Source: Vanguard (May 3, 2026)