Sokoto Governor, Aliyu Admits Meeting With Bandits To Seek Peace In Troubled Communities
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has confirmed that his administration held meetings with some bandits in a bid to restore peace to troubled areas across the state.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Usman (retd), the governor said the initiative was part of a broader strategy to end violence, rebuild displaced communities, and bring lasting stability.
He stressed that the move should not be interpreted as weakness, but as a practical step toward reconciliation and the restoration of normal life in areas affected by insecurity.
Colonel Usman explained that only individuals who voluntarily renounced violence and expressed genuine willingness to reintegrate peacefully into society were engaged in the talks.
He said the state government remained firm in its commitment to fighting criminality and would not negotiate with active armed groups or those who continued to terrorize residents.
According to him, communities such as Rabah, Goronyo, Isa, and Sabon Birni have been badly affected by the activities of bandits, with many residents killed, displaced, or forced to abandon farming and local trade.
He noted that the ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis in these regions demanded urgent and creative solutions.
He stated that while military operations against criminal elements were ongoing, the government had a duty to explore other viable methods to achieve peace.
He said talking to repentant individuals under strict conditions was one of such steps.
The administration also responded to public criticism over its engagement with bandits, particularly from Basharu Giyawa, a known social commentator, who had questioned the legitimacy of the talks. Colonel Usman accused Giyawa of hypocrisy, claiming that he had previously shown interest in similar peace efforts.
He added that no blanket amnesty was being offered, and that any bandit willing to embrace peace must undergo monitoring and rehabilitation under strict supervision.
Governor Aliyu’s approach is seen as a combined use of force and dialogue to reduce violence in Sokoto State, where rural communities have faced years of insecurity and destruction.
The government said it would continue to assess all security strategies and adopt those that yield positive outcomes, while keeping the safety and welfare of its citizens as top priority.
