Army Chief, Lagbaja Reveals Position On Amnesty For Bandits, Terrorists

Army Chief, Lagbaja Reveals Position On Amnesty For Bandits, Terrorists

Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), expressed his view on the amnesty program for bandits and terrorists in Zamfara and other states, describing it as a failed initiative. During a courtesy visit by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Lagbaja highlighted that the amnesty program had not achieved its intended objectives in the past, as it provided criminals with an opportunity to regroup, reorganize, and attack defenseless citizens.

Lagbaja also acknowledged the failure of the amnesty program in Zamfara and other parts of the Northwest region. He emphasized the need to reassess the program as the criminal elements involved had shown themselves to be incorrigible. The COAS raised concerns that the amnesty program had created a platform for criminals to regroup and launch attacks on innocent citizens.

Read Also Edo: How My Husband Was Shot Dead By Cultists After Church Service – Widow

Lagbaja expressed gratitude to the governor for providing feedback on the activities of the deployed troops in restoring peace to the state. He assured Governor Lawal that more resources, including the deployment of additional platforms and funds to reactivate unserviceable platforms, would be directed to enhance the operations of the troops in Zamfara.

The COAS identified the crisis in Zamfara as a combination of clashes between farmers and herders, ethnic confrontations, and the pursuit of economic empowerment driven by mining activities. He reiterated the Army’s determination to address the security challenges in the state and stressed the importance of eliminating outlaws and reducing insecurity through collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders.

Governor Lawal acknowledged the significant security threats faced by Zamfara and appealed for the support of the Nigerian Army in addressing them. He commended the efforts of the troops in restoring peace and requested the deployment of more military resources to support ongoing operations. The governor highlighted the challenges caused by insecurity, including the disruption of education, farming, and other economic activities in the state. He emphasized the need for increased manpower and military presence to complement the efforts of security officers in combating crime and restoring peace in Zamfara.