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Ribadu explained that the activities of armed groups had continued to threaten rural communities, undermine economic development and weaken public confidence in security institutions.
Kano —
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has said military operations alone cannot bring an end to banditry in Nigeria, stressing the need for stronger intelligence gathering, effective border management, community participation and socioeconomic interventions to address the growing security challenges.
Ribadu warned that banditry had evolved from isolated incidents of cattle rustling, highway robbery and kidnapping into a more complex security threat involving territorial control, illegal taxation of rural communities and disruption of economic activities.
He stated this on Saturday during a brainstorming session on coping with banditry, organised by the Sokoto Advancement Forum in collaboration with the Centre for Peace Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
The NSA, who was represented by the Director of Legal Services in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, said tackling the menace required a comprehensive approach combining military operations with intelligence-sharing, regional cooperation and community engagement.
According to him, Sokoto State’s proximity to the Niger Republic and the wider Sahel region has complicated the security situation, allowing criminal groups to exploit porous borders and security gaps to sustain their operations.
“Sokoto’s proximity to the Republic of Niger and the wider Sahel adds a significant cross-border dimension to this challenge.
“We must therefore combine intelligence-led operations, effective border management, regional cooperation and sustained action against the supply of illicit weapons and other logistical support,” he said.
Ribadu explained that the activities of armed groups had continued to threaten rural communities, undermine economic development and weaken public confidence in security institutions.
He stressed that while military operations remained necessary to dismantle criminal networks, lasting peace would require addressing the underlying conditions that encourage criminality, particularly poverty, unemployment and the vulnerability of young people to recruitment.
The NSA also advocated lawful rehabilitation programmes for eligible individuals willing to renounce violence, insisting that such initiatives must operate within the framework of justice and accountability.
“Reintegration must never replace justice or reward violence,” he warned.
He identified five priority areas that should guide efforts to improve security in Sokoto State, including denying armed groups safe havens, strengthening intelligence and early-warning systems, rebuilding community trust, protecting agricultural activities and preventing youth recruitment into criminal networks.
Ribadu urged security agencies to deepen collaboration and improve the exchange of intelligence to ensure timely responses to emerging threats.
He noted that communities would be more willing to cooperate with security agencies when they were confident that information provided would be treated confidentially and acted upon effectively.
The NSA specifically identified Sabon Birni, Isa, Tangaza and Goronyo local government areas as locations where early-warning mechanisms should be strengthened to facilitate the prompt reporting of suspicious movements and potential attacks.
He emphasised that improving communication between residents and security agencies would help prevent attacks and reduce the ability of criminal groups to operate undetected.
Ribadu further expressed concern over the devastating impact of insecurity on agriculture, education, trade and other economic activities, particularly in rural communities where farming remains a major source of livelihood.
He observed that attacks on farming settlements and the displacement of residents had disrupted food production and commercial activities, with broader implications for food security and economic stability.
According to him, the success of security interventions should not be determined solely by the number of criminals arrested, weapons recovered or territories reclaimed.
“We must measure progress by more than arrests, weapons recovered or territory cleared,” he said.
“Success must also mean safer communities, returning families, productive farms, reopened schools, functioning markets and the restoration of public confidence.”
The NSA maintained that restoring normal economic and social activities in affected communities would provide a more meaningful indication of progress in the fight against banditry.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Sokoto Advancement Forum, Prof. Muhammad Ahmad Wali, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the state, revealing that security incidents had been recorded in 21 of its 23 local government areas.
Wali disclosed that more than 1,100 people were reportedly kidnapped across Sokoto State in the 12 months leading to June 2026.
He described the development as a serious threat to human lives, livelihoods and the authority of government, calling for urgent and coordinated interventions.
The chairman advocated improved intelligence gathering, stronger border security, swift administration of justice, community involvement and expanded economic opportunities for young people.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of the forum, Prof. Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, urged participants to develop practical and measurable recommendations capable of improving the security situation.
Shehu explained that the outcomes of the brainstorming session would be compiled into a report and communiqué for submission to government authorities, security agencies and relevant community stakeholders.
Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed two suspected terrorists and recovered four AK-47 rifles and eight motorcycles during separate clearance operations in Sokoto State.
The Media Information Officer of the task force, Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
Danja said the operations were conducted on Thursday, October 15, 2026, as part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the region.
According to him, troops of Sector 2 encountered armed terrorists at Waria Forest, where a gun battle resulted in the killing of one suspect and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and two motorcycles.
He explained that troops subsequently engaged another group of terrorists at Sarma Village, killing one suspect while others escaped.
“In a subsequent encounter at Sarma Village, troops engaged another group of terrorists in a firefight, neutralising one and forcing others to flee, abandoning their equipment,” the statement said.
Danja added that further searches of the area resulted in the recovery of six additional motorcycles, two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 23 rounds of ammunition and a communication device.
He said the operations demonstrated the determination of troops to disrupt terrorist activities and restore security across affected communities.
“These successes underscore the sustained commitment of troops of Operation Fansan Yamma to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the Joint Operations Area,” he said.
The task force commended residents for their cooperation and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest security outpost to support ongoing operations.
