Sokoto Gov’t Defends Peace Talks With Willing Bandits
The Sokoto State Government has defended its decision to explore dialogue with repentant bandits as part of a broader security strategy aimed at restoring peace in the state’s troubled areas, dismissing criticisms.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), responded to remarks by a security consultant, Basharu Altine Giyawa, who recently condemned the state’s willingness to engage with armed groups willing to surrender.
Guyawa had earlier criticized the government over its openness to negotiating with bandits, describing it as a wrong move.
However, the special advisor to the Governor on security Col Ahmed Usman Rtd noted in a statement sent to THE WHISTLER that Guyawa had, in the past, expressed interest in mediating between the government and such groups.
“This inconsistency calls into question the sincerity of his current stance,” Col. Usman said.
According to him, the administration is not negotiating from a place of weakness or desperation but is adopting a “stick-and-carrot” approach — balancing military force with non-violent options in line with modern counterinsurgency strategies.
“Our people in Rabah, Goronyo, Isa, Sabon Birni, and other affected LGAs are living with the daily trauma of displacement, farmers have abandoned their fields, food production has dropped, and economic activities have come to a halt. This affects food security and inflation across Sokoto State.”
Col. Usman said that the goal of the engagement is to provide long-term peace by reintegrating repentant bandits under strict supervision and rehabilitation, while continuing military operations against criminal elements who refuse to disarm, adding that it is not appeasement, but strategic reconciliation for long-term peace and development,” he added.
The government urged critics to engage constructively and work toward solutions rather than division, stressing that the scale of insecurity in Sokoto demands unity, cooperation, and pragmatism.
He added that Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration has repeatedly stated its commitment to securing all parts of the state and reviving socio-economic activities in areas affected by violence.
Sokoto Gov’t Defends Peace Talks With Willing Bandits is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
