Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former Zamfara State governorship candidate, has accused prominent politicians of covertly sponsoring banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region.
This accusation comes amid a surge in violent attacks and kidnappings that have plagued the area.
In a statement released on Saturday, Shinkafi alleged that influential politicians are secretly supporting bandits, undermining efforts to restore peace and security in the region. As the Executive Director of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), Shinkafi backed the Defence Headquarters’ ongoing investigation into the funding sources behind banditry.
He condemned the actions of certain politicians who exploit the insecurity for personal and political gain, calling for a comprehensive investigation to hold these individuals accountable.
Shinkafi commended the Defence Headquarters for its progress in neutralizing key bandit leaders such as Kachalla Halilu Sububu, Jamilu Nazakiru, Sani Black, Danbaleri Mashekari, and Wala Baburki. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s directive, which has contributed to these recent military successes.
“This is a welcome and long-overdue development in the quest for sustainable peace and security in the region,” Shinkafi said. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the widespread killings, kidnappings, property destruction, and displacement caused by bandit groups, emphasizing the need for a unified military response.
Shinkafi further urged authorities to ensure that anyone implicated in the funding or politicization of banditry faces the full consequences of the law, regardless of their political status. He stressed that some politicians use banditry as a political weapon to sabotage opponents, and that public office holders exploiting the security crisis for personal enrichment must also be held accountable.
In addition, Shinkafi defended the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, against recent allegations of blackmail, lauding his commendable performance within President Tinubu’s administration.
