Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former Zamfara State governorship candidate and Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), has made serious allegations against certain prominent politicians in Nigeria’s northwest region.
He claims that these politicians are covertly sponsoring banditry, exacerbating the ongoing insecurity in the area, characterized by numerous attacks, kidnappings, and other forms of violence.
Shinkafi, in a statement released on Saturday, voiced strong support for the Defence Headquarters’ investigation into the funding of banditry in the North-West. He emphasized that this investigation is critical to restoring peace in the region, condemning the actions of unscrupulous politicians who use banditry for personal and political gain. He further called for a thorough probe into individuals politicizing insecurity, regardless of their status or position in the country.
He praised recent military successes in neutralizing key bandit leaders such as Kachalla Halilu Sububu, Jamilu Nazakiru, Sani Black, Danbaleri Mashekari, and Wala Baburki, stating:
“This is a welcome development and long overdue in the quest for sustainable peace, security, and development in the region.”
Shinkafi stressed the alarming rise in killings, kidnappings, destruction of property, and the imposition of levies by bandits, urging for a concerted military effort to crush these criminal elements and restore national security. He also accused some public officeholders of exploiting the security challenges to siphon public funds for personal enrichment.
In his statement, Shinkafi defended Dr Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, against allegations of blackmail, commending his performance in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
For more on this story, see the detailed report at legallinkz.com.
