The Nigerian Army has said an end to banditry in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states would depend not only on military operations but also on addressing the socio-political and economic challenges fuelling insecurity in the region.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, stated this while responding to questions on whether recent operational successes indicated that an end to the persistent banditry crisis in the three states was in sight.
Osoba said although the recent achievements recorded by troops were encouraging, it would be premature to use short-term operational gains as a definitive measure of overall progress against terrorism and banditry.
He said, “Successfully combating terrorism and banditry requires a whole-of-society approach that addresses both root causes and immediate threats.
“While our recent operational achievements are encouraging, it is premature to use short-term gains as a definitive benchmark for overall progress.”
The officer further explained that the security crisis could eventually be brought to an end when the underlying socio-political and economic challenges were adequately addressed.
“Once the socio-political and economic challenges are resolved, there will be an end to it. And these take time,” Osoba said.
His comments came amid intensified military operations under Operation Fansan Yamma across the North-West, particularly in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, where troops have continued to conduct clearance operations against terrorists and bandits operating in forest enclaves and rural communities.
The operations have recently yielded the recovery of weapons, motorcycles and other logistics, as well as the neutralisation and arrest of suspected terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped victims in parts of the region.
The military has also intensified operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and dismantling their operational bases.
Despite these efforts, bandit attacks, kidnappings and displacement remain a major security concern in parts of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi, with communities continuing to face threats from armed groups operating across difficult-to-access forest areas.
The Army’s position therefore suggests that sustained military pressure must be complemented by measures addressing the broader conditions that enable armed groups to recruit, operate and maintain influence in affected communities.
Osoba’s remarks also indicate that while Operation Fansan Yamma continues to record tactical successes, the military does not consider the recent gains sufficient to declare an imminent end to banditry in the three states.
He stressed that achieving lasting peace would require time and coordinated action beyond military intervention alone.