Repentant bandits in Birnin Gwari Emirate, Buruku, and Sabon Birni communities have appealed for forgiveness for the atrocities they committed, pledging to abide by a newly brokered peace agreement.

Speaking during a meeting with Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the former bandits assured of their commitment to being law-abiding citizens and fostering peace.

The bandits, many of whom had spent over a decade in isolation within forests, expressed their desire to reintegrate into society. They appealed to the government for support in allowing their children to access education and facilitating their return to a stable community life.

A Fulani elder representing bandit leader, Jan Bross, alongside Fulani community leader Ardo, emphasized the need for Fulani leaders nationwide to promote peace and encourage their communities to lay down arms.

“We are grateful for this peace pact and shall continue to pray for its sustainability,” he said, urging other regions to emulate Kaduna’s approach.

The Chairman of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Hon. Salisu Isa, expressed joy at the return of peace and the revival of activities in the local government headquarters, which had been a ghost town for years due to insecurity. During the height of the banditry crisis, critical infrastructure such as banks, schools, and post office were destroyed, forcing the council to relocate its operations to Kaduna City.

To ensure the agreement endures, the council has inaugurated a Peace and Reconciliation Committee comprising key stakeholders from the government, Hausa, and Fulani communities. The committee holds regular meetings to monitor and sustain the peace process.

Hon. Isa also urged other conflict-affected areas to adopt similar peace-building strategies, noting that Birnin Gwari’s experience could serve as a template for fostering reconciliation and rebuilding.

Despite the progress, some concerns persist. A Fulani leader, Alhaji Isa, called on the government to address complaints about vigilante groups in neighboring Niger State, who allegedly obstruct the free movement of cattle traders.

In response, Hon. Isa assured the community that the council would engage Niger State authorities to resolve the issue, stressing the importance of collaboration to sustain peace.

The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged troops to double their efforts in fighting criminal activities across the nation, emphasizing the significance of pursuing and neutralising threats wherever they may hide.

Gen Musa gave the charge during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Social and Award Evening for Soldiers, Ratings, and Airmen in Abuja on Sunday.

The CDS stressed the need for a more proactive approach in addressing security challenges, adding that the military must make a significant impact in operations against insecurity in 2025.

“We are not where we want to be, but we’re heading there, and I can assure you that by working together, we shall overcome all acts of evil.

“Our task is to look for the bad guys and take them down. I have encouraged all our commanders this year that we must make a great difference in all our operations.

“We must step out of the temple, look for the criminals wherever they enter, and go after them,” said Musa.

On his part, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reinforced the military’s crucial role in ensuring peace and stability and reminded the troops of their oath to serve the nation with loyalty and resolve.

“We must go wherever lawfully sent by land, sea, or air.

“We must remain resolute in our fight against terrorism, insurgency, secessionism, and other threats to our collective peace as Nigerians,” said Oluyede.

The army chief also highlighted the importance of supporting the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians, noting that the military’s commitment was crucial in achieving national aspirations.

Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, reassured Navy personnel of the military leadership’s commitment to their welfare and operational readiness.

He disclosed plans to introduce new assets and enhance surveillance capabilities to improve operational efficiency and boost troop morale.

“We will continue to rejig our operations, introducing new assets and improving surveillance capabilities to support our personnel in overcoming the enemy,” Ogalla said.

Similarly, the Chief of the Air Force, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Administration, AVM Idi Sani, commended the troops for their resilience and loyalty to the armed forces and the nation.

He stressed that the military’s responsibilities went beyond defending territorial integrity to include maintaining stability, fostering unity, and driving the nation’s progress.

“In spite of the dynamic nature of our security challenges, your unwavering commitment ensures that our nation remains secure and strong,” said Abubakar.

He also highlighted the success of collaborative efforts among the services, which have led to significant achievements in counterinsurgency operations, disaster response, and other national missions.

Abubakar reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force was committed to the welfare, training, and operational readiness of its personnel, recognising that a highly motivated and well-trained force was the backbone of military success.

Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria. Resisting public officers
Any person who in any manner obstructs or resists any public officer while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of the duties of his office under any order, Act, law, or Statute, or obstructs or resists any person while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of any duty imposed on him by an order, Act, law, or statute, is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for two years

Section 42 of the Police Act 2020

A person is bound to assist a judge, magistrate or police officer or other person reasonably demanding his aid in arresting or preventing the escape of a suspect whom the the judge, magistrate, police officer or other person is authorized to arrest

Section 98 Police Act 2020

A person who assaults, obstructs or resists a police officer in the discharge of his duty, or aids or incites any other person to assault, obstruct or resist a police officer or other person aiding or assisting the police officer in the discharge of his duty commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both.

Section 99, Police Act 2020

When a person is called upon to aid and assist a police officer who is, while in the discharge of his duty, assaulted or resisted or in danger of being assaulted or resisted, and the person refuses or neglects to aid and assist, the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or both.

Signed:
Muyiwa Adejobi, Force PRO, Force Headquarters, Abuja.