Has normalcy truly returned to the northwest region of Nigeria after villagers abandoned homes, communities and scampered for safety as terrorists continuously attack, kill, destroy and plunder the entire region? Hussaini Kafi in Kano reviews the situation following reports credited to the minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, that security has improved significantly in the zone, due to military operations.
Peace Returns
Defence Minister, Badaru Abubakar
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, recently claimed that security in the North-West region has significantly improved due to coordinated military operations.
According to him, the government’s intensified efforts have led to a drastic reduction in banditry and insurgency, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Katsina, and Kaduna states.
In a statement released by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, the minister expressed optimism that the security gains would be consolidated and that terrorism and banditry would be eradicated before the end of the year.
He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and dismissed concerns about strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic, emphasizing the strong historical ties between both nations.
However, while the minister’s statement paints a promising picture of improved security, a closer examination of events on the ground, including responses from local government chairmen in Katsina State and expert analyses, presents a more nuanced reality.
Local Government Responses: Reality on the Ground in Katsina State
Katsina, one of the states plagued by banditry, has seen some improvements in security, but challenges remain. Several local government chairmen in the state have acknowledged a relative return to peace but have also highlighted ongoing security threats.
Bandits Seek Dialogue in Sabuwa
Faruk Hayatu, Chairman of Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina, one of the hotbed zones of banditry, revealed that suspected bandits in the area have sent multiple letters requesting a peace dialogue with the government.
Wanted Terrorists’ commander, Turji Bello
However, he firmly rejected the notion of negotiating with criminals, stating that the government remains committed to eradicating banditry through decisive action rather than negotiations.
“The bandits insisted on peace dialogue with the government. They sent several letters to us on the issue,” Hayatu told journalists. “But we will not engage in dialogue with bandits. Instead, we will continue taking all necessary measures to deal with them.”
Hayatu also noted that the local government had successfully rescued over 1,000 people from bandit captivity, reaffirming the council’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
Pockets of Peace in Troubled Areas
Normalcy in Katsina
Nigerian troops in the Northwest
There are indications that some parts of Katsina are experiencing a relative return to normalcy. A detailed investigation by local journalists confirmed that previously troubled local governments such as Jibia, Batsari, Dandume, Faskari, Kankara, Dutsinma, Sabuwa, and Safana have witnessed a decline in attacks. Likewise, communities in Danmusa, Bakori, Musawa, and Matazu have not reported significant security incidents in recent months.
The resurgence of economic activities, including the reopening of weekly markets, signals a gradual return to normal life.
Community Watch Corps
Chairman of Faskari Local Government, Musa Ado, confirmed that some villages once plagued by insecurity, such as Kamfanin Mai Layi, Kadiso, and Maigora, are now enjoying peace.
In Dandume, Chairman Basiru Musa attributed the improved security to the deployment of 260 members of the Community Watch Corps, a local security outfit assisting conventional security forces in combating banditry.
“We now enjoy peace. People move freely without fear of attack,” Musa said.
Similarly, the chairman of Batsari Local Government, Mamman Ifo, confirmed that schools in his area have reopened and resumed normal lessons, attributing the improvement to security measures introduced by Governor Dikko Umar Radda.
Bishir Sabiu Matain, Chairman of Jibia Local Government, added that his council had recently facilitated the return of displaced persons, including women and children, to their villages, highlighting that there have been no reports of bandit attacks in recent months.
Political Perspective
While local government officials in Katsina acknowledge some security improvements, experts urge caution in celebrating premature victories.
Political analyst, Dr. Yakubu Musa Tarauni, commended the government’s military strategy, stating that the deployment of additional forces has contributed to some successes.
“The coordinated military operations have yielded positive outcomes, as evidenced by the restoration of peace in several local governments. However, sustaining these gains requires consistent collaboration between security agencies and local communities,” he said.
Dr. Musa Tarauni warned against assuming that banditry has been eradicated, stressing that long-term stability depends on addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and weak governance structures in rural areas.
Security Experts Caution
Security expert Bash Bash provided a more measured analysis, cautioning that while military operations have reduced large-scale attacks, bandit groups remain active in remote areas.
“There is no doubt that security has improved in some places, but the problem is far from over,” Bash noted. “We are dealing with an adaptive enemy. Bandit groups shift tactics, relocate to other areas, and regroup when pressure eases.”
He stressed the need for a holistic approach, combining military action with community engagement, intelligence-driven operations, and socio-economic development.
“The real test is whether these security gains can be sustained in the long run. The government must focus on providing alternative livelihoods for young people in these communities to prevent recruitment into criminal networks.”
Security Realities in Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States
Zamfara: A Fragile Peace?
Zamfara State has long been a stronghold of banditry. Recently, the federal government lifted a five-year ban on mining in the state, citing improved security. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, justified the decision by pointing to reduced bandit attacks, allowing for the resumption of economic activities.
Sceptics Caution
However, sceptics warn that the lifting of the mining ban could reignite violence, as past experiences have shown that illegal mining often fuels banditry by providing financial resources for armed groups.
Speaking with Africa Health Report correspondent, a prominent journalist in Zamfara State, Ashiru Nagoma Ruwan Baure, who specializes in security reporting, insisted that insecurity remains persistent in the state.
He disclosed that just last Friday, a gang of terrorists attacked a community along the Gusau-Magami-Dansadau Road.
“The attackers stormed the village during Friday prayers, looted properties, burned down houses and shops, and abducted several residents before fleeing,” he recounted.
Baure noted that community security outfits, including the Community Guard Protection and Vigilante Groups, are putting up a strong fight against the bandits.
“Sometimes, when the vigilante groups attack them, the bandits retaliate against nearby villages close to their hideouts,” he stated.
He further revealed that the group recently attacked a lorry carrying cement and villagers along the Gusau-Maru Road.
“The driver refused to stop when they attacked the lorry. In response, they opened fire, killing the driver and causing the vehicle to crash, leading to the deaths of many passengers,” he narrated.
Kebbi: Sporadic Attacks Persist
Despite reports of improved security, Kebbi State continues to witness sporadic bandit attacks. Several rural communities remain vulnerable, with kidnappings for ransom still occurring. Local security forces, in collaboration with vigilante groups, have been working to keep bandits at bay, but challenges persist.
Kaduna: A Mixed Picture
Kaduna State has experienced both progress and setbacks. While security forces have successfully repelled attacks in some areas, recent incidents highlight ongoing threats.
Niger: Gains Amid Challenges
Niger State, particularly its Shiroro and Munya local government areas, remains a hotspot for armed violence. While security forces have made progress in neutralizing insurgents, occasional attacks and kidnappings continue.
Conclusion: A Work in Progress
While Minister Badaru Abubakar claims that security has significantly improved in the North-West, the situation remains complex. While some areas, such as parts of Katsina, are seeing relative peace, states like Zamfara continue to face severe security threats.
For lasting peace, the government must adopt a comprehensive approach, balancing military action with economic development, intelligence-driven operations, and community engagement. Without these measures, the current security gains may prove to be temporary.
