Military operations alone can't end banditry — Osita Okechukwu

Former All Progressives Congress member, Osita Okechukwu, has asserted that military operations alone are insufficient to eradicate banditry in Nigeria. This view was echoed by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, during a recent forum organized by the Sokoto Advancement Forum and the Centre for Peace Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University. Ribadu's comments came during a discussion on addressing the banditry crisis.

In his statement to the press, Okechukwu hailed Ribadu's position, describing it as "Gbaam," a Nigerian expression of strong agreement. He emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to tackling banditry, which includes building community trust, safeguarding agriculture and rural livelihoods, and preventing youth from joining criminal networks.

Okechukwu further explained that measuring progress in this battle should not be limited to arrests, weapons seized, or territory cleared. Instead, he argued that success should be gauged by tangible improvements such as safer communities, returning displaced families, rejuvenated farms, reopened schools, operational markets, and the restoration of public confidence.