Stakeholders proffer remedy to banditry, kidnapping, other crimes in Northwest

Stakeholders within the security sector have proposed solutions to address the ongoing security issues in the Northwest region of the country.

These solutions were outlined in a statement released following an international symposium titled "Seeking Lasting Solutions to Rural Banditry and Other Security Challenges in the North-West Zone of Nigeria," organized by the Centre for Peace Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto.

The stakeholders emphasized the importance of addressing both operational and non-operational challenges that hinder the effectiveness of current approaches to combating insecurity.

“A notable concern raised was the lack of political will to hold offenders accountable, leading to impunity and the escalation of banditry and related offences,” the stakeholders said in the communique.

They also called for regular evaluation of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies being adopted by the security forces.

“This is, alongside intensified efforts to combat corruption and ensure transparency in budgetary allocations to the security sector,” they added.

The stakeholders stressed the importance of community engagement and collaboration to promote robust intelligence gathering, and converting arms smuggling and drug trafficking which are exacerbating the security challenges.

They also canvassed for a regional security outfit in the zone to streamline security operations and build synergy among the security forces.

In this respect, the security stakeholders said more personnel should be recruited, trained and equipped with modern technological tools to enhance security across the region and the nation.

Participants at the symposium urged policymakers to execute noble strategies to address poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, which are also contributing to insecurity in the region.

In the communique signed by Dr Abubakar Mohammed and Prof. Muhammad Usman, the centre expressed commitment to conduct research, interventions, and solutions to social, economic, and political crises in the country.

They said that in subsequent engagements, the focus would be on the gender dynamics in the conflict, and its socioeconomic implications on the region’s economy and society.

The event drew participants from diverse backgrounds, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing the security challenges facing the North-West region.