Ribadu: Military Force Alone Cannot End Banditry as Nigeria Seeks Lasting Security Solutions

SOKOTO, Nigeria — Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has called for a broader approach to tackling banditry, stressing that military operations must be supported by intelligence-sharing, stronger border management and greater cooperation with local communities.

The position was communicated on Saturday by Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services in the Office of the National Security Adviser, during a security discussion organised by the Sokoto Advancement Forum in partnership with the Centre for Peace Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

According to reports by Nigerian media outlets, the meeting brought together stakeholders to examine the persistent insecurity affecting communities in Sokoto State and discuss practical ways to improve public safety.

Banditry has expanded beyond kidnapping

Ribadu’s position reflects concerns that banditry has grown beyond isolated incidents of cattle theft, highway robbery and kidnapping.

Armed groups have also been accused of imposing illegal levies on rural residents, disrupting commercial activities and seeking control over certain communities.

These activities have consequences extending beyond immediate security threats. Farmers may be unable to reach their fields, traders can lose access to markets, and families may be forced to leave their homes because of fear.

The security challenge therefore requires responses that protect lives while helping affected communities recover their livelihoods.

Intelligence and border security identified as priorities

The National Security Adviser highlighted the importance of improving cooperation between security agencies and ensuring that credible information reaches the appropriate authorities quickly.

Sokoto’s proximity to Niger Republic and the wider Sahel region adds a cross-border dimension to the challenge, according to the reports. Authorities have raised concerns about armed groups taking advantage of gaps in border control and security coordination.

Ribadu called for stronger intelligence-led operations, better border management, regional cooperation and sustained efforts to disrupt the logistical networks supporting criminal groups.

Effective information-sharing could help authorities identify emerging threats earlier and coordinate responses across affected areas.

Community trust is essential

The security discussion also emphasised the importance of building confidence between residents and government agencies.

Community members often possess local knowledge that may help authorities recognise suspicious activity or identify developing risks. However, residents need confidence that information they provide will be handled responsibly and that credible reports will receive an appropriate response.

The recommendations highlighted the need for stronger early-warning arrangements in vulnerable areas, including Sabon Birni, Isa, Tangaza and Goronyo.

Such measures would need to be accompanied by safeguards for residents who report threats and by effective coordination among the relevant authorities.

Youth vulnerability and economic disruption

The discussions also addressed socioeconomic conditions that can leave young people vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups.

Expanding legitimate economic opportunities, supporting education and protecting rural livelihoods were identified as important elements of a wider response.

Insecurity can create a damaging cycle: attacks disrupt farming and trade, families lose income, and young people face fewer opportunities. Addressing these pressures would complement security operations, although it would not remove the need for lawful enforcement against criminal activity.

The reports also stressed that rehabilitation programmes for eligible individuals who abandon violence must not replace justice or accountability.

Sokoto communities face continuing challenges

At the event, Sokoto Advancement Forum chairman Professor Muhammad Ahmad Wali described the effects of insecurity on residents and local institutions.

He said security incidents had been recorded in 21 of the state’s 23 local government areas. He also cited figures indicating that more than 1,100 people were reportedly kidnapped in Sokoto during the 12 months leading to June 2026.

These figures were attributed to the forum’s account of the security situation and should be understood in that context.

The reported effects include disrupted education, reduced access to farmland, displacement and difficulties for local businesses. Participants called for coordinated action involving security institutions, community representatives, government officials and other stakeholders.

Measuring progress beyond security operations

A central issue raised in the discussion was how to determine whether security measures are improving everyday life.

Military operations can target armed groups and recover territory, but sustainable progress also requires residents to feel safe enough to return home, children to attend school, farmers to cultivate their land and traders to reopen their businesses.

This broader measure of progress places community recovery alongside law enforcement and intelligence work.

The forum indicated that its recommendations would be compiled into a report and communiqué for presentation to government authorities, security agencies and other stakeholders.