Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has rejected the idea of negotiating with bandits, insisting that dialogue with armed criminal groups undermines security efforts and encourages further criminality.
Speaking during an interview aired on Channels Television on Monday monitored by The News Chronicle, Ganduje argued that government officials should not engage in talks with bandits, stressing that anyone in possession of firearms without legal authorization is breaking the law.
“I don’t appreciate the idea of sitting with bandits to negotiate with them. In Nigeria, possessing a gun without approval is illegal,” he said.
Ganduje maintained that intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security actions are more effective in tackling banditry than negotiated settlements.
He urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and collaboration to dismantle criminal networks operating from forest hideouts before they regroup.
He also emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing insecurity, calling on parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to play active roles in preventing crime and promoting peace.
The former governor further urged sustained cooperation among government, security agencies, citizens, and community leaders, saying a united and law-abiding approach remains essential to overcoming insecurity and strengthening national unity across the country.
