| Military launches nationwide operations against terrorists | Army chief seeks traditional rulers' support| Peace institute calls for collaboration with security forces |
The Katsina State Government has attributed the recent bandit attacks in some communities in the state to a recalcitrant bandit leader who refused to embrace the ongoing peace process.
According to the government, some communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state are affected by the activities of the recalcitrant bandit leader, Mani Doro.
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The Director-General of Media to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Maiwada Damallam, stated that Katsina had been enjoying relative peace in recent times as a result of a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic security strategies adopted by the current administration.
"The recent attacks in some communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area were carried out by a notorious and recalcitrant bandit, Mani Doro, who operates from the Danmusa axis of the state.
"Doro is among the few defiant criminal elements who refused to embrace peace negotiations initiated by local communities, a development keenly watched by the state government, while security officials are hot on his trail," he said.
According to the statement, the improved security situation followed sustained peace negotiations between repentant bandits and affected local communities, which were closely monitored by the state government, alongside intensified military operations aimed at preventing and repelling attacks by criminal elements.
"The state government remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the situation, while security agencies are currently on the trail of the recalcitrant bandit and his gang," he said.
The government reassured residents that the resurgence of attacks does not signal a breakdown of the peace process, stressing that most armed groups have adopted a dialogue approach and ceased hostilities, leading to the gradual restoration of normalcy in many parts of the state.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace and security, warning that while dialogue remains open to those willing to lay down their arms, decisive military action will continue against criminals who choose violence.
Residents were urged to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help flush out remaining criminal elements.
CSOs Blame Poor Implementation of Peace Deals
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina State, Abdulrahman Abdullahi, blamed the resurgence of bandit attacks in parts of the country on the failure of governments, particularly at the state level, to fully implement peace agreements reached with armed groups.
Speaking on the challenges surrounding community-led peace initiatives, Abdullahi said most peace deals are currently handled by local governments and community leaders, a situation he described as unsustainable.
He explained that while such arrangements may bring temporary relief, they are vulnerable to collapse due to a lack of coordination, authority, and long-term commitment.
According to him, many of the demands made during peace negotiations, such as the provision of schools, healthcare facilities, potable water, drugs, and other basic infrastructure, are beyond the capacity of local governments to fulfil.
He stressed that only state governments have the financial and administrative capacity to effectively meet such demands.
The CSO chairman acknowledged that dialogue with bandits in some local government areas has led to a relative improvement in security, with economic activities gradually resuming and some displaced persons returning to their communities.
However, he noted that isolated criminal incidents, including theft, phone snatching, and sporadic attacks, continue to occur, highlighting the fragility of existing peace arrangements.
Abdullahi warned that when peace deals are localised, disagreements with local authorities can easily cause armed groups to abandon agreements and resume attacks.
"A peace deal that is not owned by the state can be reversed at any moment," he said.
He cited Kaduna State as an example of effective government ownership of peace agreements, noting that since the state government directly managed and sustained its peace deal, there have been no renewed attacks.
According to him, strong state involvement ensures coordination, consistency, and accountability.
Federal Government's Role in Tackling Insecurity
On the role of the federal government, Abdullahi stated that insecurity requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving communities, local governments, states, and federal authorities.
However, he emphasised that only the federal government possesses the military strength required to confront heavily armed bandits through kinetic operations.
He lamented that inadequate deployment of a balanced kinetic and non-kinetic strategy at the federal level has forced state and local actors to rely heavily on dialogue.
"Communities and local governments can only provide self-defence, but there is no weapon proportionality between them and the bandits," he said.
Abdullahi called on state governments to urgently take ownership of peace deals and coordinate non-kinetic efforts across their states, while urging the federal government to play its constitutional role of providing adequate security.
He warned that without decisive leadership, renewed bandit attacks would continue to undermine fragile peace efforts.
Katsina Opts For People-centred Security Strategy
Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Radda's administration has introduced a comprehensive, people-centred security framework aimed at addressing both the causes and effects of insecurity in Katsina State.
The strategy combines non-kinetic measures such as the creation of a Ministry of Internal Security, a four-tier security structure from state to ward level, conflict resolution centres, climate security hubs in partnership with UNDP, regulated cattle markets, security education, and partnerships with development agencies.
It also has kinetic measures including a Joint Security Surveillance Centre, a security call centre, trained local vigilantes, advanced security assets, the Community Watch Corps, and a Quick Response Squad.
These interventions have reportedly led to a 70 per cent reduction in criminal activities across 16 of the 24 most affected local government areas, improved community resilience, and the gradual return of farming activities.
However, challenges remain, including displaced populations, abandoned villages, closed schools and health facilities, trauma among victims, and idle farmlands.
Looking ahead, the administration has prioritised livelihood programmes for women and youth, agricultural mechanisation, rehabilitation of social infrastructure, irrigation development, and psychosocial support, reinforcing its commitment to collaborative, innovative, and sustainable security governance in Katsina State.
Military Operations Ongoing Nationwide
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops are conducting operations round the clock to tame killings and attacks in the North West region and other parts of the country.
This follows the resurgence of attacks and killing of innocent Nigerians by non-state actors across the country.
Findings by LEADERSHIP revealed that no fewer than 80 people have been killed and 40 kidnapped between December 25, 2025, and January 6, 2026.
Some of these attacks were carried out on communities in Adamawa, Zamfara, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Yobe, Kano, and Kogi states by bandits, ISWAP, and Boko Haram fighters.
The Nigerian military, in collaboration with the United States, had on the eve of Christmas 2025 launched devastating airstrikes on terrorist cells in Sokoto and other parts of the country.
While assessment of the strikes is still ongoing, there appears to be a resurgence of attacks by terrorists and other criminal elements in the North West and parts of the North Central.
These attacks have sparked concern among citizens, despite the one-off strike and assurances by the government.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, speaking with LEADERSHIP, said that contrary to popular belief, there has been no setback in military offensives against criminal elements.
He said troops were conducting operations across the country, busting terrorists' hideouts and recovering arms and ammunition.
Reacting to enquiries on whether the military was encountering setbacks, he said, "No. No setback."
He added that the military was actively "conducting operations" across the theatres.
Army Chief Seeks Traditional Rulers' Support
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday, solicited the support of traditional rulers for troops in the fight against insecurity across the country.
Lt-Gen Shaibu made this call during a courtesy visit to the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Yahaya Abubakar, at his palace in Bida.
He described traditional rulers as critical partners in providing timely and actionable information to support military efforts.
He said the traditional institutions were indispensable allies in the fight against insecurity.
In a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to strengthening security operations in Niger State through enhanced troop deployment, improved application of technology, and closer collaboration with traditional institutions and relevant stakeholders.
Lt-Gen Shaibu explained that the visit aimed to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing military deployments across the state, identify operational gaps, and determine areas requiring the infusion of additional troops and other combat enablers to effectively address emerging security challenges.
He stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations, particularly community-based and human intelligence, noting that traditional rulers remain crucial partners in providing timely and actionable information to support military efforts.
The Army Chief also highlighted plans to leverage modern surveillance and operational technologies to enhance a proactive security strategy, facilitate timely responses, improve situational awareness, and bridge existing capability gaps within the state.
Commending the Etsu Nupe for his consistent support to troops and military personnel deployed in the area, the COAS described traditional institutions as indispensable allies in the fight against insecurity.
In his response, the Etsu Nupe pledged the continued support of traditional rulers to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, assuring sustained community cooperation, intelligence sharing, and prayers for operational success.
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He further lauded the professionalism and conduct of Nigerian Army personnel operating within the Nupe Kingdom, noting their positive engagement with local communities and their contributions to peace and stability.
The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will continue to work closely with state governments, traditional institutions, relevant stakeholders, and local communities to restore and sustain peace across the country.
Peace Institute Calls for Collaboration
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called for collaboration with security forces to combat the insecurity ravaging the country.
A statement issued yesterday by the Director-General of the Institute, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said this collaboration had become necessary following the terrorist attacks on communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger State, which resulted in the deaths of about 60 persons and several abductions.
According to IPCR, the attacks are desperate attempts by fleeing bandits, insurgents, and terrorist groups who have been under severe attack by security forces.
"These acts are meant to raise apprehension, create fear, and intimidate citizens, particularly those in the areas of operation.
"We in the institute are calling for caution and urging more cooperation and collaboration with security forces to ensure that these elements are completely defeated. This is a clear sign that their end is in sight," IPCR added.
The IPCR also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for issuing a clear directive to security forces to address the country's insecurity.
"We also commend the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for giving a clear directive to the military, security, and all forces to ensure that these elements are apprehended and brought to book," IPCR said.
The institute believes that this collaboration will enhance state-citizenship relationships, fostering trust and confidence between citizens and the government.
"We need to see more of this in the coming year," IPCR stated.
Furthermore, IPCR emphasised the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic amenities.
By addressing these issues, the government can create an environment that is less conducive to the spread of insecurity, it said.
IPCR also called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, saying that collective efforts are necessary to defeat insecurity and build a safer Nigeria.
