Top Politicians Fueling Banditry in North-West, Shinkafi Alleges

• Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi alleged that influential politicians are fueling banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, calling for investigations into their involvement
• Shinkafi praised military operations that eliminated notorious bandit leaders, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to restore national security

Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, has alleged that influential politicians are behind the surge of banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region. Shinkafi made this claim in a statement on Saturday, amidst the growing insecurity in the region, which has seen numerous attacks and kidnappings.

Shinkafi, also the Executive Director of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), expressed his support for the ongoing investigation by the Defence Headquarters into the sponsorship of banditry in the North-West. He condemned politicians who he claimed were using banditry for selfish political gains and called for an investigation into those politicizing insecurity.

He applauded recent military operations that have led to the elimination of notorious bandit leaders, including Kachalla Halilu Sububu, Jamilu Nazakiru, Sani Black, Danbaleri Mashekari, and Wala Baburki, describing these actions as essential for peace, security, and development in the region.

Shinkafi stated, “The spate of killings, kidnappings for ransom, destruction of property, imposition of levies and taxes, and displacement of people from their communities by these criminal elements is alarming. It calls for a concerted military effort to crush them and restore national security.”

He further urged that anyone found guilty in the ongoing investigations should face the full weight of the law, regardless of their status. Shinkafi also defended the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, against blackmail allegations, praising his performance in President Tinubu’s cabinet.