Bandits haven’t enjoyed city life, combine amnesty, military action – ACF’s Dalhatu to FG
Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Bashir Dalhatu, has called on the Federal Government to consider combining negotiation with military force in tackling insecurity, saying the dual approach has yielded results in other parts of the country.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme on Friday, Dalhatu said an approach similar to the Niger Delta amnesty programme could be explored in northern Nigeria.
He noted that many bandits lack basic opportunities such as education and exposure to urban life, and urged the government to extend a “hand of friendship” while maintaining strict penalties for criminal acts
According to him, a fierce debate is ongoing in the North between those who support a purely military response and those advocating dialogue.
He said evidence suggests that a mix of the two strategies has been effective in several instances.
Citing the Niger Delta amnesty programme, Dalhatu said the initiative successfully rehabilitated militants by providing education and reintegration support, adding that a similar model could be considered for the North.
He stressed, however, that engagement must not be mistaken for condoning crime.
He said: “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. And it’s just for government to probably, while extending hands of friendship, but also making it quite clear that what they are doing is illegal and criminal, and those that are caught in the process are punished.”
Dalhatu acknowledged that security forces already combine military operations with occasional negotiations, noting that recent government efforts, backed by public support, have recorded some gains.
