North-West Governors Rule Out Negotiation with Bandits – Ahmed Aliyu

The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has declared that governors in Nigeria’s North-West region will not engage in negotiations with bandits, reaffirming a unified stance against insecurity.

Governor Aliyu made the statement in Katsina during the commissioning of the N12.6 billion, 8.1-kilometre Yandaki–Shinkafi–Kofar Sauri Road, constructed by the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda.

He stressed that the North-West governors are collectively committed to ending banditry and other forms of criminality, noting that significant resources are being deployed across the states to address the crisis.

“We will not negotiate with any criminal, nor accept any offer unless they surrender unconditionally,” he said.

Aliyu assured residents that state governments are working closely with security agencies to strengthen strategies aimed at restoring peace in the region. He also called on communities to support security efforts by exposing informants and reporting suspicious activities.

According to him, local collaboration often enables bandit attacks, urging citizens to remain vigilant at all times.

The governor further appealed for continued prayers and public support for ongoing security operations nationwide.

He commended Governor Radda for establishing the Katsina State Community Guard, describing it as a proactive step that has inspired similar initiatives, including the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.

Aliyu noted that such community-based security structures are already yielding positive results and will further complement conventional security agencies.

He also praised Governor Radda, who chairs the North-West APC Governors’ Forum, for what he described as effective and quality leadership.