Prof. Yusuf Identifies Why Buhari Failed in War on Banditry and Proposes Solutions
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Former President’s Disconnect and Military-Only Approach Hindered Success
In a recent paper presentation, Professor Usman Yusuf, an expert in Haematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, has shed light on the reasons behind former President Muhammadu Buhari’s inability to effectively tackle banditry and other forms of terrorism in Nigeria.
Despite considerable resources and policies, the fight against these threats has fallen short of expectations. Prof. Yusuf identifies critical factors contributing to this failure and proposes solutions for a way forward.
Prof. Yusuf lists the following reasons for Buhari’s shortcomings in combating banditry:
Lack of Understanding: Buhari openly admitted his limited understanding of banditry, which hindered his ability to address the issue comprehensively.
Poor Briefing: The former president appeared ill-informed about the gravity of the banditry problem, failing to grasp its existential threat.
Disconnection from Reality: Buhari’s detachment from the ground realities of the situation prevented him from formulating effective strategies.
Military-Focused Approach: Viewing banditry solely as a military problem and seeking a military solution limited the scope of the response.
Limited Perspective: Buhari’s unwillingness to view banditry beyond the military prism hindered the development of a holistic approach.
Insufficient Consultations: The former president’s reluctance to expand his circle of consultations beyond the military further limited the effectiveness of his initiatives.
Attribution to Phantom Enemies: Buhari wrongly attributed banditry to the work of imaginary foes, overlooking the actual causes and complexities.
Although sustained military action temporarily reduced bandit attacks, these incidents have now resurfaced in rural areas across the North West and North Central states. A civil war-like situation prevails in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, and Plateau, with daily loss of lives.
The previous administration underestimated the existential threat posed by banditry. Pleas for help from citizens and local leaders went largely ignored, enabling bandits to accumulate vast wealth from ransom payments and establish control over rural areas.
As Buhari’s tenure comes to an end, Prof. Yusuf emphasizes the need to learn from past mistakes and chart a path towards peace. Drawing on his extensive field research and involvement in Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s peace initiative, Prof. Yusuf highlights the importance of engaging all stakeholders, including bandits and their leaders, Fulani and local community leaders, traditional rulers, clerics, governors, victims, academics, security service heads, and former heads of state.
The professor describes their efforts as a peace-building vehicle that has successfully rescued many kidnap victims and continues to provide valuable support nationwide.
Additionally, Prof. Yusuf points out that while the military plays a role, banditry cannot be defeated solely on the battlefield. The growing militarization of the conflict has only intensified bloodshed. Instead, the military’s role should be to create an environment conducive to sincere dialogue, which can lead to lasting peace.
He quotes Gandhi, emphasizing the need for inclusive decision-making, stating that plans devised in Abuja without consulting local stakeholders are destined to fail. Traditional rulers, community leaders, clerics, local youth groups, and other key figures must be actively engaged.
Northern governors must address the underlying causes of insecurity, including corruption, bad governance, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, drug abuse, and the proliferation of weapons. Prof. Yusuf also suggests repealing the ban on open grazing, as it has worsened tensions in an already volatile situation.
He advocates for dialogue as a legitimate tool of warfare, urging its wise use in conjunction with military measures to achieve lasting peace. According to the professor, the right approach can make banditry easier to solve compared to other security challenges.
Furthermore, Prof. Yusuf highlights several measures implemented during Buhari’s administration that proved ineffective. These include the failed attempt at Naira redesign by the Central Bank of Nigeria, collective punishment by security agents leading to the recruitment of innocent Fulani youth, the ban on open grazing exacerbating tensions, and the declaration of bandits as terrorists yielding no positive impact.
Other measures, such as border closure, shoot-on-sight orders, mining bans, and no-fly zones, have not adequately addressed the inflow of illegal weapons or curtailed banditry. The professor calls for a reassessment of these approaches.
Prof. Yusuf emphasizes the need to map out bandit operations, identify influential stakeholders, and engage them as partners for peace. He highlights the role of illegal gold mining in fueling banditry, with reports of Chinese nationals arming the bandits to protect their own mining projects in Zamfara.
The professor reveals the foreign connections of bandits, their migration to other countries, and the influence of Boko Haram in the region. He stresses the importance of collaboration with neighbouring countries to curb the flow of weapons across borders.
Prof. Yusuf further acknowledges the role of local vigilante groups known as Yansakai, but warns against uncontrolled actions that perpetuate bloodshed. He advises caution regarding the idea of Fulani vigilantes, urging intense civil engagements rather than escalating violence within the Fulani community.
The professor urges comprehensive efforts to address the drug supply chain that fuels banditry and child soldier recruitment. He also highlights the need to disrupt the arms supply chain, specifically from the Niger Republic.
In his recommendations, Prof. Yusuf identifies key stakeholders and their roles in achieving an end to banditry. He emphasizes the need for a compassionate, decisive, and knowledgeable Commander in Chief who demands accountability and understands security challenges. Northern governors bear responsibility for the region’s insecurity and must address issues of poverty and governance.
The Minister of Defense, National Security Adviser, armed forces, police, intelligence services, National Assembly, Fulbe elites, and efforts against corruption all play crucial roles that require improvement and cooperation. The professor calls for reconciliation, rehabilitation, reparations, provision of social amenities, disarmament, annual cattle migration solutions, grazing reserves, sustained dialogue, amnesty, prosecution, diplomacy, and vigilance at seaports and land borders.
In conclusion, Prof. Yusuf’s research and recommendations shed light on the shortcomings of the previous administration and propose a comprehensive approach involving all stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in Nigeria.
