Governors across Nigeria’s North-West have signalled a hardened approach to tackling insecurity, rejecting negotiations with bandits and reinforcing a coordinated strategy aimed at restoring stability in the region.

The position was restated by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, during the commissioning of the N12.6 billion Yandaki–Shinkafi–Kofar Sauri Road project in Katsina State, where he emphasised a unified resolve among state leaders to confront armed groups without compromise.

“We will not negotiate with any criminal, nor will we accept any offer from them unless they surrender unconditionally,” he declared.

The stance reflects a broader shift in regional security policy, as governments in the North-West increasingly prioritise enforcement and operational coordination over dialogue with criminal networks.

Aliyu noted that efforts are underway to strengthen collaboration with security agencies while expanding investments in security infrastructure to dismantle bandit operations.

He also underscored the role of community participation in intelligence gathering, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements within their localities.

“We must do the needful at the community level by remaining vigilant and monitoring the movement of suspicious individuals,” he said.

While acknowledging the scale of the challenge, the governor expressed confidence that sustained cooperation between citizens and security forces would yield long-term results.

He further called for continued public support for security personnel, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the crisis.

Aliyu commended Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, for establishing the State Community Guard, describing the initiative as a strategic complement to existing security structures. He disclosed that Sokoto State had adopted a similar model after observing its effectiveness in Katsina, noting that community-based approaches are becoming increasingly vital in responding to localised threats.

The Sokoto governor also praised Radda, who chairs the North-West APC Governors’ Forum, for what he described as proactive leadership in coordinating regional responses to insecurity

The commissioning event further highlighted renewed political alignment among North-West governors, with a shared commitment to intensify efforts against banditry and restore peace across affected communities.