{
  "id": 15334195,
  "title": "Ribadu: Military Operations Alone Cannot End Banditry",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/ribadu-military-operations-alone-cannot-end-banditry",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T02:12:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/10/18/ribadu-military-operations-alone-cannot-end-banditry/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has emphasized that military operations in isolation are insufficient to eradicate banditry in Nigeria. Ribadu highlighted the need for enhanced intelligence-sharing, improved border security, and greater community involvement to address the complex issue of insecurity. He stressed that banditry has transcended traditional forms such as cattle rustling and highway robbery, now encompassing territorial control, illegal taxation, and economic disruption. Ribadu's remarks were made during a brainstorming session organized by the Sokoto Advancement Forum in collaboration with Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Ribadu pointed out that Sokoto's strategic location near Niger Republic and the broader Sahel region compounds the crisis by creating a cross-border dimension. He urged a multi-faceted approach incorporating intelligence-led operations, robust border management, regional collaboration, and a concerted effort to curb the flow of illicit weapons and other logistical support to armed groups. Ribadu also stressed the importance of addressing the socioeconomic factors that render young individuals susceptible to joining criminal organizations. He emphasized that rehabilitation programs should be implemented for those willing to cease violence without substituting justice or rewarding criminality. The NSA outlined five key priorities to bolster security in Sokoto, including denying safe havens to armed groups, fortifying intelligence and early-warning mechanisms, fostering community trust, safeguarding agriculture and rural livelihoods, and preventing youth recruitment into criminal networks. Ribadu called for improved coordination and information-sharing among security agencies, ensuring that communities feel confident in providing intelligence to authorities who reliably respond to threats. He identified Sabon Birni, Isa, Tangaza, and Goronyo as focal areas requiring enhanced early-warning systems to swiftly relay reports of suspicious activities to security forces. Ribadu warned that insecurity adversely impacts farming, commerce, and education, with detrimental effects on food production, the economy, and the well-being of displaced residents. He argued that security measures should be evaluated based on more than just arrests or the number of weapons recovered; success should be measured by the return of displaced families to their homes, the restoration of agricultural productivity, the reopening of schools, the resumption of market activities, and reinstated public confidence. Earlier, the Chairman of the Sokoto Advancement Forum, Prof. Muhammad Ahmad Wali, reported that security incidents had been documented in 21 out of the state's 23 local government areas. Wali emphasized that over 1,100 people were kidnapped in Sokoto during the 12 months preceding June 2026, characterizing the crisis as a threat to the lives, livelihoods, and governmental authority of residents. He advocated for intensified intelligence gathering, robust border control, swift justice delivery, increased community involvement, and the creation of economic opportunities for young people. The Vice Chairman of the forum, Prof. Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, urged the participants to generate actionable recommendations, promising to compile the outcomes into a comprehensive report and communiqué to be presented to government officials, security agencies, and community stakeholders.",
  "summary": "Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has said military operations alone cannot end banditry, calling for stronger intelligence-sharing, border security and community participation to",
  "key_points": [
    "Military operations alone insufficient to end banditry in Nigeria.",
    "Enhanced intelligence-sharing, border security, community involvement needed.",
    "Socioeconomic factors make youth susceptible to criminal organizations."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Shifting from purely kinetic combat to a multi-dimensional strategy signals a recognition that lasting stability requires addressing the socioeconomic drivers and cross-border complexities fueling Nigeria's persistent banditry.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}