The Sokoto State Government has called for stronger cooperation among North-West states in the fight against banditry, warning that armed criminals often operate across state boundaries.
Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), made the call while welcoming Zamfara State’s newly established Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), Peace and Security Committee.
Usman said the initiative could complement military operations by combining security measures with rehabilitation, justice, peacebuilding and community engagement.
The 13-member committee was inaugurated on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Zamfara State Government House in Gusau by Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mummuni, on behalf of Governor Dauda Lawal.
According to Usman, military action alone cannot permanently resolve the region’s security challenges. He said individuals who genuinely surrender their weapons and abandon violence could be considered for structured reintegration into society.
However, he warned that the DDR programme must not become an avenue for criminals to escape justice.
“Those who continue to terrorise innocent communities must face the full weight of the law.”
Strong Screening Needed
Usman said the committee’s membership, which includes government agencies, security institutions, traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders, would improve coordination and help ensure the programme reflects the realities of communities affected by banditry.
He highlighted the involvement of federal institutions such as the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Operation Safe Corridor, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He also welcomed the participation of an international delegation with experience in peacebuilding and reintegration programmes, saying lessons from countries that have dealt with prolonged conflicts could benefit Nigeria.
However, he cautioned against copying foreign DDR models without adapting them to the social, cultural, economic and security realities of Zamfara and other affected areas.
The Sokoto official said the success of the initiative would depend heavily on strict screening, intelligence-led monitoring and community participation.
He stressed that communities affected by killings, kidnappings and displacement must have a voice in the process and should not be forced to accept individuals whose claims of repentance cannot be verified.
Call for Regional Security Cooperation
Usman said banditry should be treated as a regional North-West challenge, rather than a problem belonging to individual states.
“Banditry is a regional challenge, and therefore our response must also be coordinated at the regional level.”
He called for increased intelligence sharing, joint security operations, stronger surveillance around border areas and closer cooperation between state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.
He also urged authorities to expand legitimate economic opportunities and support vulnerable communities that could otherwise become targets for recruitment by criminal networks.
According to him, the ultimate goal of all security interventions should be to protect lives and property, restore public confidence and create conditions for displaced communities to return to normal life.
Usman congratulated the Zamfara government on the establishment of the committee and expressed hope that the DDR initiative would help reduce violence and support long-term peace and development across the North-West.
Source: Sokoto State Government / Zamfara State Government.
