Shinkafi backs DHQ probe into politicization of banditry

A former governorship candidate in Zamfara and ex-Special Adviser to former governor Bello Matawalle, Sani Shinkafi, on Saturday backed the Defense Headquarters’ investigation into the sponsorship of banditry in Nigeria’s North West geopolitical zone.

It is said that the initiative is deemed essential for achieving sustainable peace and security in the region, which has been plagued by alarming levels of violence, kidnapping, and property destruction.

The Executive Director of the group, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, in a statement, emphasized the need for accountability, saying, “We align our position with the Defense Headquarters. Anyone found culpable in this probe must face the full force of the law, regardless of their status.”

The organization criticized certain politicians for exploiting banditry for political gain and called for a broader investigation into those using security challenges to siphon public funds.

He said: “Some unscrupulous politicians have been using banditry as a campaign tool against their opponents for selfish political motives.

“The Defense Headquarters should also probe those playing politics with the lives and property of innocent people. Other public office holders equally use the security challenges as conduit pipes to divert and siphon public funds for personal enrichment.”

“It is on record that the military has performed excellently since President Bola Tinubu, while in China, directed the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, to relocate to Sokoto 8 Division of Nigerian Army command and flush out banditry in the North West.”

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“That order has yielded positive results with the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders, including Kachalla Halilu Sububu and Jamilu Nazakiru, who terrorized Bungudu and Maru rural communities. Another military success was recorded in the Dansadua axis, where notorious bandit leaders Sani Black and Danbaleri Mashekari and their groups were neutralized.”

“In Katsina State, a bandit kingpin, Wala Baburki, who terrorized Batseri, Kankara, and Kankia rural communities, was neutralized along with his gang.”

“In view of the highlighted achievements, it is evident that the directive of Mr. President that the Minister of State for Defense, Matawalle, and the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, should move to Sokoto to coordinate the fight against banditry has been fruitful, an eloquent testimony of synergy between the Ministry of Defense and security agencies in the quest for national security, peace, stability, and prosperity.”

“Those who mischievously link Dr. Bello Matawalle, former governor of Zamfara State, with armed bandits in the media and social media obviously do not want banditry to end. Nigerians are aware that they are being heavily sponsored to disparage him to settle political scores and gain cheap publicity.”

“Matawalle is not the only illustrious son of Zamfara State who was appointed Minister of Defense. General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (Rtd) was appointed Minister of Defense twice by past governments, and General Mansur Dan-Ali (Rtd) was also appointed Minister of Defense. They all served excellently with dignity and honor without blackmail by the then-governors of the state.”

The group also defended Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defense, against allegations linking him to banditry, asserting that such claims are politically motivated attempts to undermine his effective leadership.

The group noted that previous ministers from Zamfara State have served honorably without facing similar accusations.