The Nigerian Elders Forum for Peace and Stability has praised President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in combating kidnapping and banditry in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, the Forum’s Chairman, Ambassador Bature Abdul’Aziz, acknowledged the significant progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership. He also commended Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, for moving their operations to Sokoto to focus on addressing insecurity in the region.
“We also commend the Nigerian military for their recent successes in the fight against banditry and kidnapping. We encourage them to keep up this momentum,” Abdul’Aziz stated.
The chairman highlighted that the current strategy being used to fight these criminal groups was originally employed by the military during the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari in its battle against Boko Haram. He noted that many Boko Haram fighters were either killed or surrendered, with approximately 200,000 now undergoing de-radicalization.
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Abdul’Aziz emphasized the need for improved welfare for troops and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military to help them achieve a lasting victory against terrorists.
“As Elders, we fully back the Nigerian troops, the Ministers of Defence, and the President for their efforts to restore peace in the country. We will not waver in our support for them,” he added.
In his appeal to the government and the military, the Chairman suggested that bandits willing to surrender should be accepted, but only if they hand over all their weapons and are sent to de-radicalization centers to undergo rehabilitation.
“The government should accept those bandits who are ready to surrender but ensure they give up all their weapons and submit to the authorities to help maintain peace,” Abdul’Aziz concluded.
