FG Finally Declares Bandits As Terrorists

The Buhari-led Federal Government (FG) has declared bandits as terrorists.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, made this known in a statement by his spokesperson, Umar Gwandu on Wednesday.

AllNews Nigeria earlier reported that Abubakar Malami during an interview on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Tuesday, January 4, 2022, said the government is trying to ensure that it operates within the confines of international best practices, adding that the gazette would be ready in a few days.

In a recent development, the minister said the gazette proscribing bandits was made on November 25, 2021, but it was unfolded on January 5, 2022, adding that bandits will face trial under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011.

It reads in part: “Notice is hereby given that by the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1370/2021 dated 25th November 2021 as per the schedule to this Notice and Activities of Yan Bindiga Group, Yan Ta`addan Group and other similar groups in Nigeria are declared to be terrorists and illegal in any part of Nigeria, especially in the North-West and North-Central regions of Nigeria and are proscribed pursuant to sections 1 and 2 of the same Terrorism( Prevention) Act 2011.

“Consequently, the general public is hereby warned that any person or group of persons participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intentions or otherwise of the groups referred to in paragraph 1 of this notice will be violating the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and liable to prosecution.”

Recall that states in the North-West geopolitical zone including Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna have been ravaged by banditry in the last year leaving hundreds of innocent persons, kidnapped several others including schoolchildren, with some still in their custody.