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- The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) has urged the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to prosecute anyone found guilty of sponsoring bandits in Nigeria’s north-western region
- Sani Shinkafi, executive director of PAPSD, praised the military’s ongoing investigations into bandit sponsorship, calling the probe “long overdue”
- The allegations have heightened tensions between high-profile figures, including Bello Matawalle and Dauda Lawal, who have openly accused each other of complicity in the region’s security crisis
In a fervent appeal, the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) has called on the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to ensure that anyone found guilty of sponsoring bandits in Nigeria's north-western region faces severe legal consequences.
This demand comes amid ongoing investigations by the DHQ into allegations of bandit sponsorship in a region plagued by kidnappings, killings, and the displacement of residents.
Source: Original
Sani Shinkafi, executive director of PAPSD, issued a statement on Saturday lauding the military’s efforts to address these claims, describing the probe as “long overdue.”
Group lauds military probe
He emphasized the severe impact of the insecurity challenge on the north-west, which has led to the loss of countless lives and left many communities devastated.
“The spate of killings, kidnapping for ransom, destruction of property, imposition of levies and taxes, and the displacement of people from their communities by these criminal elements is alarming,” Shinkafi stated. He added that a “concerted military onslaught” was necessary to crush these criminals and restore peace.
The allegations of bandit sponsorship have intensified tensions between two high-profile figures: Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence and former Zamfara state governor, and Dauda Lawal, the current governor of the state. Both men have openly accused each other of complicity in the region’s security crisis. Just last week, Lawal publicly declared that if he were in Matawalle’s position, he would resign and work to clear his name—a suggestion that further fueled the ongoing dispute between the duo.
Shinkafi called for strict accountability, stating that “any person or group of persons found wanting in the course of the probe should face the full weight of the law, no matter his status or position in the country.” He added that the days of “shielding” powerful individuals behind political influence must end if the country is to achieve peace and security.
“It is time we hold everyone accountable, whether a public official, politician, or businessperson—no one should be above the law,” he said. “Some politicians have turned banditry into a campaign tool, using it against their opponents for selfish motives. This is unacceptable and must be addressed if we are serious about peace.”
Shinkafi urged the DHQ to ensure that the investigation does not stop with bandit sponsors alone but extends to those exploiting the insecurity for political capital. He also called for greater transparency in how public funds allocated for security are used, noting reports of alleged mismanagement of these monies for personal enrichment.
“Other public office holders equally use the security challenges as conduit pipes to divert and siphon public funds for personal enrichment. This is a betrayal of the people they are supposed to serve, and such individuals must be exposed and prosecuted,” he said.
“We cannot afford to continue losing lives and property while some people play politics with the situation. The military must rise to the occasion and crush these bandits once and for all. The probe by the Defence Headquarters is a step in the right direction, but it must be thorough and lead to real consequences for those responsible.
“Enough is enough. We demand justice, and we stand with the military in their efforts to restore peace. This is not just about Zamfara or the north-west; it’s about the future of Nigeria as a whole.
“We cannot afford to continue losing lives and property while some people play politics with the situation. The military must rise to the occasion and crush these bandits once and for all. The probe by the Defence Headquarters is a step in the right direction, but it must be thorough and lead to real consequences for those responsible.”
Lawyers group defends Matawalle
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Centre for Truth and Justice (CTJ), a group of lawyers, has dismissed reports of court cases against the minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle, labelling them as fabrications aimed at derailing his anti-banditry efforts.
At a press conference, CTJ's Barrister Napoleon Otache alleged that Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal, orchestrated the smear campaign to discredit Matawalle's successes in combating banditry.
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Source: Legit.ng
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