The North-West Alliance for Security (NWAS) have said it stands resolute in its commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the North-West region of Nigeria and expressed concern with the escalating crisis of insecurity that has engulfed our communities, driven by the unrelenting activities of bandits and violent extremists.
Sequel to such challenge the group said "the persistent failures of the current Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, to effectively address these challenges, we hereby call for his immediate resignation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
According to a statement issued by the Chairman Musa Zakaria, the North-West region of Nigeria has tragically become synonymous with lawlessness, as criminal gangs known as ‘bandits’ wreak havoc on our communities, adding that 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.
"Reports indicate that jihadists and terrorists have infiltrated the ranks of these criminal groups, posing an existential threat to our way of life.
The statistics are staggering. Thousands have lost their lives, millions have been displaced, and our economy is in ruins due to the rampant activities of these criminal gangs.
"The states of Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara have borne the brunt of this crisis, with an estimated 30,000 bandits operating across approximately 100 gangs. The radicalization stemming from long-standing disputes over land and resources, compounded by environmental degradation and the influx of arms, has exacerbated the conflict".
The group averred that the traditional systems of mediation that once maintained harmony in our communities have been undermined, leaving a vacuum that has been filled by violence and terror.
It emphasized that despite the alarming rise in insecurity, the response from the Minister of Defence has been woefully inadequate and promises of enhanced military presence and strategic operations have yielded little in terms of tangible results. Instead, the situation continues to worsen, with communities living in fear and uncertainty. The failure to protect our citizens and restore peace is not merely a political oversight; it is a grave dereliction of duty, the group stated.
"The North-West Alliance for Security believes that effective governance is predicated on accountability. Minister Badaru Abubakar has had ample time to demonstrate his commitment to safeguarding our region, yet the persistent cycle of violence and insecurity under his watch speaks volumes about his inability to fulfill this critical responsibility.
"The time for excuses has passed; we must prioritize the safety of our citizens above all else.We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed our urgent plea. The resignation of Minister Badaru Abubakar is not merely a demand for change; it is a necessary step toward restoring faith in our government’s capacity to protect its citizens.
"We urge the President to appoint a capable and dedicated leader who can bring a fresh perspective and renewed commitment to tackling the grave challenges of insecurity in the North-West".
The North-West Alliance for Security says it stands firm in its resolve to advocate for the rights and safety of our people and will not rest until all communities are free from the shackles of violence and fear, stressing that the time for decisive action is now and implored all stakeholders, civil society, and citizens to join in this clarion call for accountability and change.
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