Bashir Dalhatu, Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has urged the Federal Government to combine negotiation with military action in addressing insecurity in northern Nigeria.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, November 28, Dalhatu said a strategy similar to the Niger Delta amnesty programme could be explored in the North.
He explained that many bandits lack education and urban exposure, stressing the need for a “hand of friendship” alongside strict enforcement of the law.
“Most of these bandits have not had the opportunity to go to school, have not had the opportunity to actually enjoy what we ordinarily do in the cities.
“And it’s just for government to probably, while extending hands of friendship, but also making it quite clear that what they are doing is illegal and criminal, and those that are caught in the process are punished,” Dalhatu said.
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He noted that debates continue in the North over whether a purely military response or dialogue would be more effective.
Evidence, he said, suggests a combination of both strategies has yielded positive results in some cases.
Citing the Niger Delta amnesty initiative, Dalhatu highlighted the success of rehabilitation programmes that offered education and reintegration support to militants, suggesting a similar approach could reduce crime in northern communities.
He also acknowledged ongoing government efforts, emphasising that military operations combined with occasional negotiations, supported by public cooperation, have produced measurable gains.
Dalhatu concluded that while engagement with bandits is necessary, it should not be misinterpreted as condoning criminal acts.