Musa Maye
The North-West Alliance for Security (NWAS) has called for the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, over what it described as his persistent failure to address the escalating crisis of insecurity in the North-West region of the country.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Musa Zakaria, the group declared that it “stands resolute in its commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the North-West region of Nigeria,” and expressed deep concern over what it described as the “unrelenting activities of bandits and violent extremists.”
“The North-West has tragically become synonymous with lawlessness, as criminal gangs known as ‘bandits’ wreak havoc on our communities,” Zakaria said. “The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that, as highlighted by military officials, these bandits have formed alarming alliances with violent extremist organizations, blurring the lines between banditry and terrorism.”
According to NWAS, infiltration by jihadist and terrorist elements into the ranks of criminal gangs has raised the stakes, posing an existential threat to the entire region. The statistics, the group said, paint a grim picture: thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and economic life across the region is on the brink of collapse due to the unrestrained activities of bandits.
The group pointed to states such as Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara as epicenters of the crisis. “An estimated 30,000 bandits operate across nearly 100 gangs,” the statement noted. “Radicalization, long-standing disputes over land and resources, worsening environmental conditions, and an influx of weapons have only deepened the crisis.”
Zakaria lamented the breakdown of traditional conflict-resolution systems. “The traditional systems of mediation that once preserved harmony in our communities have been undermined, leaving a vacuum now filled by violence and terror,” he said.
NWAS expressed dismay over what it called the Defence Minister’s “woefully inadequate” response to the crisis, accusing him of failing to follow through on promises of increased military presence and strategic operations.
“The situation continues to deteriorate, with communities living in daily fear and uncertainty. This failure to protect our people is not merely a political oversight; it is a grave dereliction of duty,” the group stated.
NWAS emphasized that accountability must remain central to governance. “Minister Badaru Abubakar has had ample time to demonstrate his commitment to securing our region. Yet, the violence persists and his inaction speaks volumes,” the statement said.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly by relieving Badaru of his duties and appointing a “capable and dedicated leader who can bring fresh ideas and a renewed resolve to combat the security challenges in the North-West.”
“This is not just a political demand,” Zakaria stressed, “it is a moral imperative. Our people deserve safety, stability, and the assurance that their government is working in their best interest.”
NWAS concluded by calling on civil society, traditional institutions, and the wider public to rally behind its call. “The time for decisive action is now. We will not relent until our communities are free from the shackles of fear and violence,” the statement said.
ENDS
Middle-Belt Times 