The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has issued a dire warning about the rapidly escalating threat of banditry and insurgency in Northern Nigeria, stressing that the region’s very existence could be at risk in the next five years if immediate, decisive action is not taken. During a recent visit to Borno State to show solidarity with victims of the catastrophic floods in Maiduguri, Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Dalhatu, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, voiced grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation.
Dalhatu lamented that the North has never been in such a precarious position, grappling with insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, and a slew of other socio-economic challenges that have left millions of children out of school and sparked a surge in social ills, such as Almajiri and begging. He painted a bleak picture of life in the region, with many farmers no longer able to access their lands due to the overwhelming presence of bandits. This has led to food shortages, further exacerbating the dire situation.
“Ten years ago, banditry wasn’t even an issue in the North West, and now every state in the region is battling this menace,” Dalhatu said. “If nothing is done, Northern Nigeria could face existential threats in the next five years. Our very way of life is in jeopardy.”
The ACF has voiced frustrations over the past decade’s failed attempts to curb insurgency and banditry, acknowledging that in some cases, the situation has worsened. Dalhatu remarked that the actions taken by the government over the last 15 years have not only failed to solve the problem but, in many cases, have made matters worse. According to him, unless there is an urgent, coordinated response, Northern Nigeria could face even greater devastation.
As part of its efforts, the ACF has assembled a team of security experts to assess the situation and provide detailed recommendations to the northern governors, who will take the proposals to the federal government for decisive action. Dalhatu assured that this time, the Forum is determined to implement solutions that will bring lasting peace to the region.
The fear and frustration among Northern communities continue to rise, as the relentless bandit attacks make day-to-day life a nightmare for the inhabitants. From kidnappings to murders, the bandits operate with near impunity, and despite the military’s efforts, their reign of terror has spread into once-peaceful areas. The ACF’s warning signals an urgent call for a collaborative and long-term security strategy that addresses the root causes of the crises in the region.
For many in Northern Nigeria, this is a pivotal moment. Without swift and meaningful action, the region may find itself unable to recover from the compounded effects of insecurity, food shortages, and economic collapse, threatening the very fabric of society.
Peoplesmind