Governors from the North West geopolitical zone have taken a collective stance, resolving to reject any peace negotiations with bandits. This decisive move comes in response to the persistent threat posed by bandits in the region, who have been notorious for imposing levies, carrying out violent acts, and engaging in kidnapping for ransom.
Amidst these challenges, the Zamfara State government has inaugurated a robust quasi-security organization known as the Community Protection Guards (CPGs). Comprising 2,600 members, the CPGs aim to play a pivotal role in curbing the activities of bandits within the state.
The North West region has been severely affected by the activities of bandits, with reports of residents being subjected to taxes, violence, and abductions. In the past, some governors resorted to negotiating peace deals with known bandit leaders, offering significant sums of money in the hope of curbing criminal activities. However, these negotiations often proved futile, as the bandits used the funds to procure more arms, exacerbating the security challenges.
During the graduation and official commissioning of the Community Protection Guards (CPGs) in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, the chairman of the North West Governors’ Forum and governor of Katsina State, Umar Dikko Radda, made a crucial announcement. He declared the unanimous position of his fellow governors, asserting that there would be no more negotiations with the outlaws.
