Sokoto Govt Mulls Criminal Law on Bandit Informants

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The Sokoto State Government is considering a new law to criminalise the provision of intelligence and logistical support to armed bandits, in what appears to be the latest legislative attempt to curb worsening insecurity across the Northwest.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State disclosed the plan during the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah homage at the palace of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, stressing that informants have become a major obstacle in the fight against banditry.

According to the governor, the proposed executive bill would target individuals accused of supplying information on troop movements, security operations, and community activities to criminal groups operating in rural areas.

“We need to come together and stop the informant syndrome if we are to succeed in defeating bandits” Gov. Aliyu said, describing informants as critical enablers of attacks on villages, highways and local markets.

The move comes amid persistent insecurity in parts of Sokoto State and neighbouring northwestern states, where armed groups have continued attacks on farming communities, security checkpoints and travellers despite intensified military operations.

Security officials have long argued that bandit networks rely heavily on local collaborators who provide intelligence, food supplies, fuel, and communication support, enabling them to evade arrest and launch coordinated attacks.

However, the planned legislation is likely to spark debate among legal experts, civil society organisations and community leaders over concerns about implementation and possible abuse.

Previous attempts by some northern states to punish suspected informants have faced criticism over allegations of wrongful accusations, arbitrary arrests and mob reprisals against innocent residents.

Analysts warn that without strong safeguards, due process protections and credible investigations, such laws could deepen fear within rural communities and discourage residents from cooperating with security agencies.