Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, says Nigeria stands the risk of being overrun by bandit-terrorists unless the Federal Government takes decisive measures to end the reign of terror building up in the North-East region.
The governor, while speaking at a media briefing organised by the Presidential Media Team yesterday in Abuja, also disclosed that his State spends over N200 million monthly to tackle insecurity.
According to him, “In some months, we spend up to N400 million to support security agencies operating in the State”.
He further said, “The insurgency in the North-West region is far more serious than Boko Haram, both in terms of the numbers of the people affected. I have shown you the numbers in Kaduna. I can assure you that the numbers in Zamfara and Katsina are up to three times this if they are keeping tabs. The numbers in Sokoto, Niger, and Kebbi will be about this.
Governor el- Rufa’i further revealed that the government has identified where the bandits are, adding that “we have the maps. He, however, said, “But somebody has to go in and kill them. I can’t do that. If that somebody doesn’t have enough men, doesn’t have enough firepower, doesn’t have the technology, no one is going to commit suicide.
“This is why under this administration; the Nigeria Governors’ Forum collaborated with the Federal Government to take money from the excess crude account to buy Super Tucano jets and other armaments to strengthen our defence system”.
He revealed that kidnapping in the zone has evolved into a “serious money-spinning business and the FG’s response uncoordinated”.
Over the years, insecurity became a serious challenge across the seven States of the North-West region, including Niger and Kaduna State and later Zamfara and Katsina. He noted that Kaduna was getting more of the media focus; perhaps because it is more cosmopolitan and its population more diverse than others in the areas.
El-Rufa’i linked the astronomical rise in banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna to the huge financial gains arising from the ransom money paid by the kidnapped victims.
He also linked the rising security challenges in the North-West to inadequate coordination efforts and insufficient security footprint. Others include shortage of personnel, inadequate equipment and poor technology deployment.
He revealed that the State procured drones to monitor the bandits, but noted that the nation’s security operatives are unable to match them due to their superior military weapons.
On why the army was reluctant to bomb the bandits before FG’s proscription order, the governor said the military was reluctant because of concerns about facing the International Criminal Court, (ICC).
The governor also disclosed that he was informed that it would be difficult to declare bandits as terrorists because they do not have a “single command” like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
He, however, said with the latest development, he believes the army now has the necessary legal backing to go after bandits.
“But I’m happy that by the ruling of the federal high court, they have now been declared as terrorists so there is a fair game.
