Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former candidate for governor of Zamfara State, has claimed that prominent politicians in the North-West region of Nigeria are funding banditry. This charge is made in the midst of increased local insecurity due to multiple attacks and kidnappings that have been reported.
Shinkafi asserted in a statement released on Saturday that attempts to bring about peace are being undermined by certain powerful politicians who are covertly supporting the robbers. Shinkafi backed the Defence Headquarters’ probe into the funding of banditry in the North-West.
Shinkafi is the Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD). He demanded an investigation into those who are politicising insecurity and denounced dishonest politicians who exploit banditry for their own gain.
He said that the probe by Defence Headquarters is a positive step forward. He highlighted the military’s achievements in neutralising bandit leaders Kachalla Halilu Sububu, Jamilu Nazakiru, Sani Black, Danbaleri Mashekari, and Wala Baburki, and complimented President Tinubu’s command that resulted in the removal of infamous bandits. In the pursuit of regional peace, stability, and prosperity that is sustainable, he said, “this is a welcome and long overdue development.”
It is concerning because these criminal elements are responsible for a number of deaths, kidnappings for ransom, property destruction, levies and taxes, and the uprooting of individuals from their communities. To destroy them and re-establish national security, it demands a concentrated military operation.
“Anyone found guilty in the investigation should be subject to the full force of the law, irrespective of their nationality or standing. For nefarious political purposes, some dishonest politicians have begun utilising banditry as a campaign tactic against their rivals. Investigating those who take advantage of innocent people’s lives and property for political gain should be a priority for Defence Headquarters.
“Other public office holders divert and syphon public funds for personal enrichment using similar means, despite security challenges.”
Shinkafi further refuted accusations of blackmail against Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, by highlighting his stellar record in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
