The escalation of banditry in Nigeria’s northwestern geopolitical zone is attributed to the unpatriotic activities of some citizens, particularly those residing in terrorism and banditry-stricken areas.
Despite relentless efforts by the military and security agencies to combat these threats, bandits and terrorists, predominantly foreigners of Fulani ethnicity, continue to infiltrate the country through unmanned borders to carry out heinous crimes such as kidnapping for ransom and violent extremism.
Local collaborators and informants within affected communities are reportedly impeding decisive military operations against bandits, hindering efforts to neutralize the threat.
Residents of Bungudu Local Government Area (LGA) in Zamfara state have accused the Emir of Kwatarkwashi, Alhaji Garba Ahmad Bunu, of maintaining suspicious relationships with bandit kingpins and harboring weapons for them in exchange for a share of ransom payments.
Allegations against Alhaji Bunu include his appointment as Emir by the former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, shortly after the death of the previous emir, sparking concerns about his alleged involvement in aiding banditry.
“The current Emir, Alhaji Garba Ahmad Bunu, has had a suspicious relationship with the bandits’ kingpins. He was said to have been in a relationship with notorious bandit gang leader Buharin Daji before being killed by an NAF air strike in late 2022.
“He also had a relationship with another notorious bandit gang leader, Dogo Gide, who was also recently killed by NAF air strikes in March of 2024. The Emir has also had a relationship with notorious bandit gang leader Ado Aleiro, who operates and controls Birnin Magaji LGA and Kauran Namoda LGA, two of the four LGAs in Zamfara State that are the epicentres of banditry.
“The other two LGAs, Zurmi and Shinkafi, are controlled by Bello Turji, a notorious bandit gang leader. The Emir of Kwatarkwashi granted Ado Aleiro, the bandit kingpin, a traditional title in his emirate, causing community unrest and disturbance.
“Maibiredi TV in Gasau conducted a one-on-one interview with the bandit leader and discussed the issues surrounding it.”
Locals were also said to have nearly burned down his house if security forces had not intervened due to his suspicious relationship with bandit leaders. It is worth noting that “all the locals know him as a bandit collaborator.”
While answering questions from Defence Correspondents led by Deputy Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO) Brigadier General Muhammad Dahiru Abumawashi at his palace, Alhaji Bunu admitted that “there are informants who sabotage the efforts of government and security agencies.”
