In a firm stance against rising insecurity, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has declared that governors across Nigeria’s North-West region will not engage in negotiations with bandits. Instead, he emphasized that only unconditional surrender from criminal groups will be accepted.
Governor Aliyu made this known on Saturday in Katsina during the commissioning of the N12.6 billion, 8.1-kilometre Yandaki–Shinkafi–Kofar Sauri Road, a project executed by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda.
“We will not negotiate with any criminal, nor will we accept any offer from them unless they surrender unconditionally,” Aliyu stated firmly.
According to him, governors in the North-West are united in their determination to end banditry and restore peace across the region. He noted that state governments are committing substantial resources and strengthening collaboration with security agencies to combat insecurity more effectively.
Aliyu also called on citizens to play an active role in tackling the menace by exposing informants within their communities. He stressed that many successful bandit attacks are often aided by local collaborators.
“We must do the needful at the community level by remaining vigilant and monitoring the movement of suspicious individuals,” he urged.
The governor further appealed to residents to support ongoing efforts through prayers, expressing optimism that peace can be restored with collective action.
Commending Governor Radda for his leadership, Aliyu highlighted the impact of the Katsina State Community Guard initiative, which complements conventional security agencies. He revealed that Sokoto State adopted a similar model shortly after observing its effectiveness in Katsina.
Describing the initiative as results-driven, Aliyu praised Radda, who also chairs the North-West APC Governors’ Forum, for what he termed visionary and quality leadership.
As insecurity continues to challenge the region, the unified position of North-West governors signals a tougher, non-negotiable approach aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence.