The Sokoto State Government has defended its controversial decision to negotiate with bandits who are willing to surrender their weapons, emphasizing that the move is not born out of weakness but represents a strategic approach to ending persistent attacks in the state.
Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, Col Ahmed Usman (Rtd), issued a clarification on Friday following significant public backlash against the government's recently announced willingness to engage with repentant bandits.
"The government is not negotiating out of weakness, nor are we compromising justice. What we are doing is embracing a pragmatic, human-centered approach, the stick-and-carrot model, consistent with the military's kinetic and non-kinetic doctrine," Col Usman stated.
Multifaceted Security Strategy
The government's statement specifically addressed criticism from social media commentator Basharu Altine Giyawa, noting the irony that Giyawa had previously expressed willingness to mediate between the state and armed groups before criticizing the government for a similar approach.
Col Usman emphasized that the administration is implementing a comprehensive security strategy that includes both dialogue with repentant bandits and continued military operations where necessary.
"We are deploying security forces where needed and force is being applied when necessary. But we are also opening the door to those who genuinely wish to surrender and reintegrate into society under strict supervision and rehabilitation programs," the statement explained.
Humanitarian Crisis Driving Policy
The government highlighted the severe humanitarian impact of banditry on communities in Rabah, Goronyo, Isa, Sabon Birni, and other affected Local Government Areas, where residents face displacement, abandoned farmlands, and economic paralysis.
"Our objective is clear: to restore peace, return our people to their homes, and rebuild local economies," Col Usman stated, pointing to the direct consequences on food security and inflation across the state.
The Sokoto government's approach reflects a growing trend among northern Nigerian states to explore multiple avenues for addressing the persistent security challenges posed by armed groups that have devastated rural communities.
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