Insecurity: Bandits will soon enter Nigerian Senate, House of Reps – Baba Yusuf
Political Strategist Warns of Escalating Threat from Banditry in Nigeria
Baba Yusuf, a political strategist and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Global Investment and Trade Company, issued a stark warning regarding the rising influence of bandits in Nigeria, suggesting that they could soon occupy positions in the nation’s legislature.
In an interview on Arise News, Yusuf highlighted a troubling trend where Nigerians are increasingly forced to pay taxes to bandits and seek their mediation in the northern regions of the country. He criticized politicians for using the pervasive insecurity for political gain, emphasizing the dire circumstances faced by citizens as bandit attacks continue unabated.
Yusuf remarked on the audacity of these groups, noting that they have targeted military personnel, even wearing military uniforms, and have engaged in mediation with the government without facing repercussions. “They are daring the state,” he said, pointing to numerous instances where bandits have conducted operations seemingly unchecked.
He provided an overview of the worsening security situation over the past three and a half years, stating that insecurity has spread to regions that were previously considered safe, including Niger and Kwara. Yusuf referenced recent attacks in Benue and Plateau states, where bandits defied government assurances of safety.
The security expert raised alarms about the organized and strategic nature of these criminals, who appear to communicate openly on social media without fear of capture. “They send notices, and they come on the day of the notice, and they execute,” he explained, noting the increasing boldness of their operations, which now threaten military installations and personnel.
Yusuf criticized both the ruling and opposition parties for not addressing the severity of the situation effectively. He emphasized that the issue transcends political divides and requires urgent, unified action. “This is an existential issue that we should take seriously across party lines,” he insisted.
He concluded with a troubling forecast, predicting that the growing confidence in bandits could lead to their further entrenchment in society, potentially culminating in their election to legislative positions. “Soon, bandits will be in the Senate and the House of Representatives,” he warned, calling for immediate attention to the crisis.
