WANEP urges stronger synergy among security agencies to tackle banditry

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, Nigeria (WANEP-Nigeria) has condemned the surge in armed banditry across States in the North West Region of Nigeria, particularly, Zamfara, Birnin Gwari axis of Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto states.

WANEP, in statement made available to journalists on Tuesday while condemning the attacks called on the Federal Government to intensify inter-agency collaboration to
enhance synergy between security agencies in Nigeria.

This, according to WANEP includes, the Nigerian Police, Army, Air Force and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and neighbouring countries responsible for border
management and security surveillance to mitigate threats of armed banditry and other
criminal activities.

The Peace Network also called on relevant authorities in the affected states to more vigilant and
strengthen community involvement in security and safety.

The Network urged State Governments in the affected region to reactivate and strengthen the traditional Community
Policing to tackle banditry and other forms of criminality to complement the efforts of
security agencies in the northern region.

“This should be extended to other regions of the country to bolster peace and security,” The Network adviced.

WANEP regretted that banditry and all other forms of criminality has resulted in the death of over 488 people since January till date, in addition, loss of livelihoods, internal displacements and open armed confrontations.

“The persistent banditry has transcended into rampant kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, intimidation and killings. It has also been noted with concern that violent activities of armed bandits continue to force farming communities to abandon their farms, causing significant effect to the livelihoods of people within the States in the North-West Region of
Nigeria.The surge in violence further causes fear and mistrust among the local population in the region,” WANEP stated.

The Peacebuilding network added that Report from the Zamfara State Government, indicates that within the last five years, 3, 526 people were killed, 8, 219 peopleinjured with 500 villages devastated in the State.

“Currently, over 30,000 people in Zamfara State have been displaced internally with an estimated average of 22,000 widows and 44,000 orphans left behind.

“In addition to the statistical analysis
generated from the WANEP National Early Warning System (NEWS) on the figures of fatality
arising from attacks by bandits, a cumulative death of 488 people were recorded in Zamfara,
Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto States from January-April, 2019.”

Worried over the consequences armed attacks has on public safety, food
security and social cohesion in the affected States, WANEP-Nigeria also for increased interventions to respond and mitigate the increasing violence being perpetuated by armed bandits.

The network however commended the enforcement of multi-agency security operations and the series of consultative meetings with traditional and community leaders, to curb banditry and other forms of criminality in the region.

WANEP-Nigeria while expressing condolences to victims and survivors of attacks by bandits, recommend that State Governments in the affected states enhance interface between community early warning systems and intelligence gathering for effective alerts for
prevention and mitigation of attacks by armed groups.

Further, in its recommendations, the Peace Network called on the Federal and State Governments to improve its resettlement plan for IDPs especially women, children and other vulnerable groups including the aged and people living with disability.

“Special attention should be put in place to ensure victims of violence
access psychosocial, health and livelihoods support to rebuild their lives.”

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