President Tinubu’s Directive to End Banditry by 2025: A Spark of Hope in Northern Nigeria
The Arewa Think Tank (ATT), a prominent voice in Northern Nigeria, has expressed enthusiastic optimism following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Nigerian military to eradicate banditry by 2025. This decisive order, communicated through the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has been met with a surge of hope in a region long plagued by insecurity. The ATT views this directive as a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to tackling the pervasive issues of banditry, kidnapping, and the general state of insecurity that has gripped the nation, particularly the North. This bold move resonates deeply with the ATT, signaling a potential turning point in the fight against these criminal elements.
The ATT’s Convener, Muhammad Yakubu, lauded the President’s directive as a testament to his seriousness in addressing the security challenges. He commended President Tinubu for refraining from politicizing the issue of insecurity, emphasizing that the directive demonstrates a proactive and determined approach to confronting the problem head-on. This commitment is further underscored by the significant allocation of resources to defense in the 2025 budget, a move that the ATT strongly supports. The increased funding is expected to facilitate the deployment of more troops and military equipment to the troubled regions of the North-West and other affected areas across the country. The ATT believes this substantial investment in defense is a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace and security.
While the ATT welcomes the President’s directive with optimism, the group also acknowledges the critical need to address the issue of informants who often aid and abet the bandits. These individuals, often members of the affected communities, provide vital intelligence and support to the criminal networks, undermining the efforts of security forces. The ATT urges the Federal Government and military leadership to prioritize the identification and prosecution of these informants to ensure the success of the President’s directive. Without effectively neutralizing this internal threat, the fight against banditry could be significantly hampered.
Furthermore, the ATT cautions politicians against exploiting security issues for political gain. Such actions can erode public trust, demoralize the military, and ultimately hinder the fight against insecurity. The ATT emphasizes the importance of a unified approach, where all stakeholders work together towards the common goal of restoring peace and stability. Politicizing security matters not only undermines the efforts of the military but also exacerbates the vulnerability of communities affected by banditry.
The ATT emphasizes the need for patience and understanding as the government and military implement the necessary strategies to combat banditry. They urge Nigerians to give President Tinubu adequate time, specifically suggesting a period of two years, to fully implement his security agenda and demonstrate tangible results. The group expresses confidence that within this timeframe, the President’s efforts will yield significant improvements in the security situation, ultimately leading to a more peaceful and secure nation.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s directive to end banditry by 2025 has ignited a spark of hope in Northern Nigeria, a region grappling with persistent insecurity. The Arewa Think Tank views this directive as a strong indicator of the President’s commitment to tackling the root causes of banditry and restoring peace. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, particularly the issue of informants and the potential for political interference, the ATT remains optimistic that with adequate resources, a focused strategy, and the support of the Nigerian people, the President’s vision of a secure nation can be realized. The group urges patience and unity as the government embarks on this critical mission to eradicate banditry and usher in an era of lasting peace and stability.
