Group asks DHQ to prosecute anyone sponsoring bandits

The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) says the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) must ensure that anyone found guilty of sponsoring bandits in the north-west geographical zone faces severe legal consequences.

This call follows ongoing investigations by the DHQ into allegations of bandit sponsorship in the region, which has been plagued by kidnappings, killings, and displacement of residents.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Sani Shinkafi, executive director of PAPSD, lauded the military’s efforts to address these claims, describing the probe as “long overdue.”

He said the north-west has suffered greatly from the insecurity challenge, which has led to the loss of countless lives and left many communities devastated.

“The spate of killings, kidnapping for ransom, destruction of property, imposition of levies and taxes, and the displacement of people from their communities by these criminal elements is alarming,” Shinkafi said.

He added that a “concerted military onslaught” was necessary to crush these criminals and restore peace.

The allegations of bandit sponsorship have intensified tensions between two high-profile figures: Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence and former Zamfara state governor, and Dauda Lawal, the current governor of the state.

Both men have openly accused each other of complicity in the region’s security crisis.

Just last week, Lawal publicly declared that if he were in Matawalle’s position, he would resign and work to clear his name — a suggestion that further fueled the ongoing dispute between the duo.

Shinkafi, called for strict accountability, stating that “any person or group of persons found wanting in the course of the probe should face the full weight of the law, no matter his status or position in the country.”

He added that the days of “shielding” powerful individuals behind political influence must end if the country is to achieve peace and security.

“It is time we hold everyone accountable, whether a public official, politician, or businessperson—no one should be above the law,” he said.

“Some politicians have turned banditry into a campaign tool, using it against their opponents for selfish motives. This is unacceptable and must be addressed if we are serious about peace.”

He urged the DHQ to ensure that the investigation does not stop with bandit sponsors alone but extends to those exploiting the insecurity for political capital.

Shinkafi also called for greater transparency in how public funds allocated for security are used, noting that there have been reports of alleged mismanagement these monies for personal enrichment.

“Other public office holders equally use the security challenges as conduit pipes to divert and siphon public funds for personal enrichment. This is a betrayal of the people they are supposed to serve, and such individuals must be exposed and prosecuted,” he said.

“We cannot afford to continue losing lives and property while some people play politics with the situation. The military must rise to the occasion and crush these bandits once and for all. The probe by the Defence Headquarters is a step in the right direction, but it must be thorough and lead to real consequences for those responsible.

“Enough is enough. We demand justice, and we stand with the military in their efforts to restore peace. This is not just about Zamfara or the north-west; it’s about the future of Nigeria as a whole.

“We cannot afford to continue losing lives and property while some people play politics with the situation. The military must rise to the occasion and crush these bandits once and for all. The probe by the Defence Headquarters is a step in the right direction, but it must be thorough and lead to real consequences for those responsible.”