Security Expert Claims Almost All Bandits in North-West and North-Central Are Nigerians

A leading Nigerian security and intelligence analyst, Yahuza Getso, has stated that 99.9% of the bandits operating in the North-West and North-Central regions are Nigerian citizens, asserting that authorities know these criminals “by name, by face” and that they are not hiding in inaccessible terrain.

Getso made the statement while commenting on the ongoing insecurity in the country, including the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. He criticized security agencies for allegedly ignoring intelligence he provided prior to the incident, calling such inaction “deliberate sabotage.”

According to Getso, the claim that foreign elements are primarily responsible for banditry is misleading. He emphasized that understanding the local nature of these armed groups is crucial to tackling the crisis effectively.

“These are mostly homegrown criminals,” he said, “and addressing them requires focused, intelligence-led operations rather than relying solely on military patrols.”

Security analysts note that the bandit networks in Nigeria are complex, with multiple groups operating across states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, and Katsina. Many of these groups engage in kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and cattle rustling. While ethnicity and local grievances often play a role in recruitment, most attackers are rooted in the communities where they operate.

The implications of Getso’s statement are significant. If bandits are largely local and well-known to authorities, critics argue that there is an urgent need for improved policing, accountability within security agencies, and community collaboration to disrupt these criminal networks.

Meanwhile, government officials maintain that military and police operations are ongoing, and they continue to track and neutralize bandit hideouts.

However, recent attacks highlight persistent challenges in intelligence use and enforcement.

Getso’s warning serves as a stark reminder that addressing insecurity in Nigeria requires not only military force but also strategic intelligence, effective law enforcement, and community engagement, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, which have borne the brunt of violent banditry.