The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has opposed the implementation of amnesty programmes for bandits and terrorists within the nation.
The army chief expressed that amnesty programmes implemented in various states have not been successful in achieving their intended objectives.
According to his perspective, beneficiaries of these programmes do not express remorse, but instead perceive them as opportunities to reorganise and harm unsuspecting individuals.
Lagbaja addressed Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, during his courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said, “So, I want to appeal to Your Excellency that as we come up with a strategy to address the issue, the state government should be disposed to the implementation of the measures that we will recommend so that together we will address the activities of these criminal elements.
“We also have the issue of the amnesty programme that has been instituted, and which has failed, not only in the North but also in many other states.
“I think we need to look at this issue of the amnesty programmes. The agreements have proven to be incorrigible and so amnesty has created an avenue for them to reorganise and launch attacks on defenseless citizens. So, I think we need to look at that.”
According to Lagbaja, the insecurity afflicting Zamfara is a result of a variety of factors, including farmer-herder violence, ethnic clashes, and the struggle for economic survival.
He stated that he had directed the deployment of extra platforms and the release of additional funding to revive inactive platforms in order to bolster troop activities in the state.
The governor of Zamfara expressed frustration with the state’s insecurity.
Lawal said, “I’m frustrated that Zamfara is facing serious security challenges. I will say without mincing words, Zamfara is the state facing the most challenges in insecurity today. Therefore, for me, being the number one citizen, part of my responsibility is protecting lives and properties.
“It is sad to mention that there is never a day without people being killed in one area or local government or the other. This is very, very worrisome for us because, without security, development can’t take place.
“I cannot do this alone. I need the support of the Chief of Army Staff and his entire team. I need to bring peace to first Zamfara and then Nigeria in general.”
