Bandits challenging Nigeria’s sovereignty- El-Rufai

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Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna state governor, says bandits have challenged the sovereignty of Nigeria and must be wiped out.

He said government at all levels must “immediately and without hesitation” put an end to the activities of bandits.

El-Rufai made the remark on Wednesday at the presentation of the 2020 Annual Security Report in Kaduna.

“Banditry has severely impacted the rural economy and shaken the confidence of citizens,” he said.

“It has driven farmers from their land, putting food security at risk, displaced communities, stolen property and deprived people of their right to life.

“We must put a stop to these criminal acts and enable our people to live their lives in peace and safety. This is the most urgent task.”

El-Rufai said Kaduna will not engage bandits in dialogue or offer them any form of amnesty.

He said: “We will neither negotiate with criminals of any description nor support any grant of amnesty.

“Criminal gangs, bandits, insurgents and ethno-religious militias made a conscious choice to challenge Nigeria’s sovereignty and menace our citizens.

“These criminals must be wiped out immediately and without hesitation.

“I am assured by the recent directive given to the federal security agencies to wipe out such gun-wielding criminals by the president.”