Nigeria’s worsening security crisis has continued to generate intense debate across the country, with citizens, security experts, community leaders and government officials searching for lasting solutions to the menace of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes that have plagued many parts of the nation. Amid the growing concerns, retired Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has offered a bold perspective on how Nigeria can effectively confront criminal elements terrorizing communities across the country.
Speaking in Kaduna during a press briefing organized by friends, colleagues and associates of the late retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe, Tsiga emphasized that the country must adopt a more decisive and courageous approach in dealing with insecurity. According to the retired military officer, negotiations alone cannot provide the lasting solution Nigerians desperately seek. Instead, he argued that criminal groups must be confronted directly through coordinated action involving security agencies, government institutions and local communities.
The event, which brought together notable personalities and former military officers, provided an opportunity for Tsiga to reflect on his personal experiences and observations regarding the activities of bandits and terrorists. Drawing from his period in captivity after being abducted by bandits, the retired general offered insights into the mindset and operations of criminal groups that continue to threaten peace and stability in several regions of Nigeria.
According to him, many Nigerians have developed an exaggerated fear of bandits, giving criminal elements psychological advantages that often exceed their actual strength. He stressed that bandits are not supernatural beings but ordinary human beings who possess the same fears and vulnerabilities as everyone else.
Tsiga maintained that one of the major mistakes society makes is allowing fear to dictate its response to insecurity. He argued that criminal groups thrive when communities become intimidated and lose confidence in their ability to resist. He insisted that a determined and coordinated response from citizens and security forces would significantly weaken the influence and operational capacity of bandits.
The retired general explained that throughout his experience in captivity, he observed that many of the criminals feared direct confrontation. According to him, they are fully aware of the consequences of decisive military action and often rely on fear, confusion and weak resistance to sustain their activities.
He noted that if authorities demonstrate greater determination in confronting these groups while simultaneously cutting off their support networks, the country would witness more meaningful progress than endless rounds of negotiations that rarely produce lasting peace.
His comments come at a time when discussions surrounding negotiations with bandits remain controversial. While some stakeholders advocate dialogue as a means of securing the release of hostages and reducing violence, others argue that negotiating with criminal groups only emboldens them and encourages further attacks. Tsiga firmly aligned himself with those who believe stronger enforcement measures are necessary.
One of the most striking aspects of his remarks centered on the role of collaborators and informants who allegedly provide support to criminal organizations. According to him, the problem of insecurity extends beyond the individuals carrying weapons in forests and remote communities. He argued that a sophisticated network of enablers exists, consisting of individuals who profit financially from the conflict and therefore have little interest in seeing peace restored.
Tsiga revealed that during his captivity, he overheard discussions among bandit leaders regarding the acquisition of ammunition and other supplies. These conversations, he claimed, suggested that criminal groups benefit from support provided by individuals who have access to government resources and sensitive information.
He questioned the effectiveness of negotiating solely with bandits while ignoring those who finance, equip and sustain their operations. According to him, genuine peace cannot be achieved unless authorities identify and dismantle the broader criminal ecosystem that enables insecurity to flourish.
The retired military officer warned that individuals who profit from conflict often become obstacles to peace initiatives because instability serves their personal interests. For this reason, he called on security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at exposing and prosecuting sponsors, suppliers and collaborators who continue to fuel violence across the country.
DOYA News gathered that Tsiga also emphasized the critical role communities must play in combating insecurity. While acknowledging the sacrifices made by security personnel, he stressed that military operations alone cannot completely eliminate banditry without the active support of citizens.
According to him, intelligence gathering remains one of the most effective weapons against criminal organizations. He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and providing useful information that could help prevent attacks before they occur.
He further stressed that security should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the military, police or other law enforcement agencies. Instead, he described it as a collective responsibility requiring participation from every segment of society.
Tsiga expressed concern that many communities have become passive observers in the fight against insecurity, often expecting security agencies to solve every problem without local support. He argued that citizens must become active partners in protecting their communities by fostering vigilance, cooperation and mutual trust.
The retired general also highlighted the importance of unity among community members. He noted that bandits often exploit divisions within communities to establish footholds and gather intelligence. By working together and refusing to succumb to fear, he said, communities can significantly reduce the ability of criminals to operate successfully.
He pointed out that in many cases, relatively small groups of armed men have succeeded in forcing entire communities to flee simply because fear overwhelmed resistance. This, he argued, demonstrates the urgent need for stronger community resilience and collective action.
DOYA News reports that Tsiga’s remarks have added another dimension to the ongoing national conversation about insecurity and the best strategies for restoring peace across Nigeria. His perspective reflects growing frustration among many Nigerians who believe that criminal groups have become increasingly emboldened despite numerous security operations and dialogue initiatives.
As the country continues to grapple with banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, the former NYSC Director-General believes that success will ultimately depend on a combination of decisive military action, effective intelligence gathering, community participation and a determined effort to dismantle the networks that sustain criminal activities.
For Tsiga, the message is simple yet powerful: bandits are human beings who can be confronted and defeated when society refuses to be intimidated. He insists that lasting peace will only emerge when Nigerians unite behind a common goal, support security agencies wholeheartedly and demonstrate the collective resolve needed to deny criminals the freedom to operate. In his view, restoring security is not merely the task of government or the armed forces; it is a national responsibility that demands courage, vigilance and unwavering commitment from all citizens.