Colombia, stakeholders advocate holistic measures to end banditry in Zamfara

Colombia, stakeholders advocate holistic measures to end banditry in Zamfara

Security stakeholders have urged intensified surveillance of Nigeria’s borders to curb arms and drug infiltration fuelling banditry and kidnapping in parts of the country.

The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the stakeholders presented the position when Gov. Dauda Lawal hosted a delegation led by former Colombian National Security Advisor, Amb. Sergio Jaramillo, in Gusau, Zamfara, on Wednesday.

They called on the Zamfara Government to take measures that would heighten surveillance of porous borders to stop the infiltration of arms and other substances being used by bandits.

The meeting, chaired by Gov. Lawal, was attended by a large delegation led by the former Colombian National Security Advisor, Amb. Sergio Jaramillo, with officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Others included top Zamfara government officials, representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), members of the academia, traditional rulers, among others.

They also suggested that negotiations with bandits must only be from a position of strength rather than weakness, and called for the inclusion of traditional institutions in efforts to tackle insecurity.

The stakeholders were of the strong opinion that flushing out bandits and other criminal elements would restore peace in the North-West region.

During the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara, Ahmad Bello, noted that the challenge in the fight against banditry was not the failure of intelligence but operational failures.

Bello, who harped on various measures, suggested the need for authorities to improve operational capability to restore law and order in the state and the region.

Meanwhile, Amb. Sergio Jaramillo said the delegation was in Zamfara to share experiences with stakeholders on how to end insecurity in the state and beyond.

Gov. Dauda Lawal appreciated the visit of the Colombian delegation to Zamfara, while reiterating his administration’s stance not to negotiate with criminal elements.

He emphasised that negotiation with bandits or any other criminal elements could only be from a position of strength, not weakness.

The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the meeting aimed to fashion out a comprehensive strategy towards dismantling banditry and other criminal gangs terrorising communities to restore peace in the state.

VMT NEWS also reports that the Zamfara government had earlier called for the establishment of a Victims Support Fund as an integral part of the wider security and peacebuilding framework.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Nakwada had agreed to chair the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Peace and Security Committee set up by the state government.

The SSG reiterated that the activities and approach of the Committee would be anchored on Gov. Dauda Lawal’s administration’s resolve that reconciliation must be pursued from a position of strength, within the rule of law, and without compromising justice, accountability or the security of communities.

“We must work towards a structured, credible and nationally aligned DDR framework that complements ongoing security operations, facilitates genuine disarmament and reintegration, strengthens community resilience and delivers measurable improvements in peace and security.

“Equally important, our DDR framework must never create the perception that those who took up violence are rewarded while their victims are forgotten.

“For peace to be credible and sustainable, victims must see themselves at the centre of the peacebuilding process.

“DDR cannot be complete if we focus only on those laying down arms without addressing those who have borne the consequences.

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“Reintegration must therefore proceed alongside victim recovery, community rehabilitation and restoration of public confidence,” the SSG said.

According to him, there is an urgent need for a well-structured Zamfara State Victims Support Fund framework as an integral component of a wider peace and security architecture.

“Such a framework should provide transparent and coordinated support for victims and communities affected by violence, including rehabilitation, psychosocial support, restoration of livelihoods, support for vulnerable families, education and community recovery,” he added.

The SSG had led a joint delegation including Intermediate-UK, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) and other peacebuilding teams to inspect the North-West DDR Camp for Operation Safe Corridor located in Tsafe.

The multi-billion-naira facility was donated by the Zamfara Government as part of its commitment to peacebuilding in the North-Western region.

During the visit, Amb. Jaramillo said their teams would partner with the Zamfara Government and other stakeholders to develop a workable strategy that would address the state’s security challenges.

“The problem you are facing today is exactly the same problem we faced in Colombia. Our aim is to make the lives of the people better.

“I want to see how we can help and also learn. There are more things we can do together.

“The problem of crime can never disappear, but we can reduce it,” Amb. Jaramillo said.

The joint delegation also included Gen. Alberto Mejía (Rtd), former Commander of the Colombian Armed Forces; and Gen. Felix Gedney (Rtd), former British Defence and National Security Advisor to the Sultan of Oman.

Others were Dr. Eleanor Beevor, Interpeace Project Director, West and Central Africa; Brig. Gen. Yusuf Ali, Coordinator, Operation Safe Corridor; and Amb. Abimbola Wonuola, Director, PCVE, among other security experts and stakeholders.