An approach modelled on the Niger Delta amnesty programme should be considered in northern Nigeria as part of efforts to curb banditry, the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Bashir Dalhatu, has said.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Dalhatu argued that a combined strategy of negotiation and military force would offer a more sustainable response to the region’s security crisis.
He believed the dual method had produced results in other parts of the country and could help steer young men away from criminal groups.
Dalhatu stated that many bandits emerged from communities with little access to education, employment or exposure to urban life, conditions he said fuelled recruitment into armed groups.
While urging the government to extend a “hand of friendship,” he insisted that engagement must be balanced with firm penalties for criminal activity.
“Most of these bandits have not had the opportunity to go to school, have not had the opportunity to actually enjoy what we ordinarily do in the cities.
“Government can extend a hand of friendship, but make it clear that what they are doing is illegal and criminal, and those that are caught in the process are punished,” he said.
He revealed northern leaders were divided between those advocating a purely military strategy and those calling for structured dialogue.
However, he maintained that evidence from recent operations suggests that mixing both approaches has delivered modest gains.
Dalhatu added that the Niger Delta model, which combined education, reintegration and sustained pressure on armed groups, offered valuable lessons that could be adapted to the northern context.
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