Sultan of Sokoto: Banditry Will Take Decades to Overcome

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III, has sounded a warning that the North-West geopolitical zone faces a long battle against banditry, taking decades to overcome.

Speaking at the North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina State, the Sultan emphasized the need for collective action to tackle the menace. “We must challenge these bandits, knowing the consequences of banditry and insurgency on our lives. But it will take decades to overcome if we don’t work together.”

The Sultan expressed the readiness of traditional rulers to partner with security agencies and governors to “save our region from the numerous problems” of banditry and insurgency.

The summit, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, governors, service chiefs, and the Inspector General of Police, aims to find solutions to the lingering security challenge.

Banditry has ravaged the North-West zone, killing thousands, displacing many, and affecting food production. Despite non-kinetic approaches, the menace persists.