The Dark Side of the Fight Against Banditry in Katsina

As banditry and kidnapping continue to ravage many parts of Northern Nigeria, questions abound about why these violent crimes persist despite ongoing military and security operations.

In a recent investigative report, News Central Television sought to uncover some of the underlying factors fuelling this long-standing crisis. The exposé follows a revealing interview with a retired Major who now leads the Dandume Community Vigilante Group in Katsina State.

The former military officer’s account sheds light on the often-overlooked and troubling dynamics that complicate efforts to end banditry in the region. His revelations expose a grim picture—one that hints at systemic challenges, internal sabotage, and lack of accountability that may be undermining the broader fight against insecurity.

The report offers a sobering reminder that defeating banditry requires more than firepower—it demands transparency, coordination, and the political will to confront uncomfortable truths about the security architecture in affected areas.