Military operations alone can’t end banditry — Osita Okechukwu
Osita Okechukwu, a foundation member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserted on Sunday that military operations alone are insufficient to eradicate banditry in Nigeria.
His comments came in response to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who acknowledged the limitations of military action during a brainstorming session on combating banditry. This session was organized by the Sokoto Advancement Forum in collaboration with the Centre for Peace Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto.
In a statement he issued, Okechukwu, a former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, praised Ribadu’s remarks, stating they resonated with him. He emphasized that enhancing community trust, safeguarding agriculture, and protecting rural livelihoods are essential strategies that should accompany military efforts.
Okechukwu also pointed out that evaluating success should extend beyond metrics such as arrests, weapons seizures, or territorial gains. He argued that true progress must include the restoration of safer communities, the return of displaced families, revived agricultural activities, reopened schools, functional markets, and renewed public confidence in safety and security.
