Bandits haven’t enjoyed city life, combine amnesty, military action – ACF’s Dalhatu to FG

Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, BashirDalhatu, has called on the Federal Government to consider combining negotiationwith military force in tackling insecurity, saying the dual approach hasyielded results in other parts of the country. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme onFriday, Dalhatu said an approach similar to the Niger Delta amnesty programmecould be explored in northern Nigeria. He noted that many bandits lack basic opportunities such aseducation and exposure to urban life, and urged the government to extend a“hand of friendship” while maintaining strict penalties for criminal acts. According to him, a fierce debate is ongoing in the Northbetween those who support a purely military response and those advocatingdialogue. He said evidence suggests that a mix of the two strategieshas been effective in several instances. Citing the Niger Delta amnesty programme, Dalhatu said theinitiative successfully rehabilitated militants by providing education andreintegration support, adding that a similar model could be considered for theNorth. He stressed, however, that engagement must not be mistakenfor condoning crime. He said: “Most of these bandits have not had the opportunityto go to school, have not had the opportunity to actually enjoy what weordinarily do in the cities. And it’s just for government to probably, whileextending hands of friendship, but also making it quite clear that what theyare doing is illegal and criminal, and those that are caught in the process arepunished.” Dalhatu acknowledged that security forces already combinemilitary operations with occasional negotiations, noting that recent governmentefforts, backed by public support, have recorded some gains.

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