Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has dismissed claims that the bandits wreaking havoc across Nigeria originate from neighbouring countries like Mali or Burkina Faso.
According to him, the threat is far more internal than many Nigerians have been led to believe.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV, the outspoken former lawmaker insisted that the armed groups destabilising the North are deeply rooted in local communities—specifically, Fulani bandits operating in the North-West and Kanuri bandits operating in the North-East.
“These bandits are from northern Nigeria. North-West bandits are Fulanis, and North-East bandits are Kanuris. I don’t buy the narrative that they came from Mali or Burkina Faso,” Sani said.
“5,000 Bandits Cannot Hold 230 Million People Hostage”
Sani expressed disbelief that a country as populous and resourceful as Nigeria continues to allow a few thousand armed criminals to dictate the pace of national life.
He described the situation as unacceptable and called for a more coordinated, deliberate strategy from government and security agencies.
“It is inconceivable that roughly 5,000 bandits are holding a nation of over 230 million people to ransom,” he lamented.
“Government must act with more determination and clarity.”
Illegal Mining and Banditry: A Dangerous Nexus
The former senator also backed the decision to suspend illegal mining activities in regions plagued by insecurity.
According to him, the operations of miners and bandits have become so intertwined that distinguishing one from the other is now nearly impossible.
He noted that many mining zones double as safe havens for bandit groups, transporting weapons, shielding criminals, and enabling illicit transactions.
“Illegal miners are working hand in hand with bandits,” Sani stated.
“In many cases, you cannot tell who is a miner and who is a bandit. Temporarily halting mining gives the government and military room to act decisively.”
Banditry Has Crippled Northern Life
Sani painted a grim picture of how insecurity has destroyed agriculture, disrupted education, fractured social life, and displaced communities across northern Nigeria.
He argued that the situation has reached an existential level—one that requires unity and unwavering political will.
A Call for Collective Action
The former lawmaker urged all stakeholders to come together to confront the crisis. He called on:
* Traditional rulers
* Political leaders
* Civil society organisations
* State governors
* Northern community leaders
According to him, the North—and Nigeria as a whole—cannot afford to treat banditry as just another routine challenge.
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“If we are genuinely committed to solving this problem, we can solve it,” Sani insisted.
“Countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have smaller budgets than Nigeria, yet they are doing everything possible to defend their territories.”
He emphasised that only a united, coordinated response would bring the lasting solution Nigerians have been clamouring for.
