The Sokoto State Government has defended its decision to engage with repentant bandits as part of its broader efforts to tackle insecurity in the state, insisting the move is strategic and not a sign of weakness.
Naija News reports that the clarification comes amid criticisms from a social media commentator, Basharu Altine Guyawa, who faulted the initiative.
But in a statement issued on Friday, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), dismissed the backlash as unfounded and politically tinted.
According to the retired colonel, the government’s peace strategy is rooted in a dual approach — “the stick-and-carrot model” — which aligns with national military doctrines of kinetic and non-kinetic engagement.
“Let it be clear: the government is not negotiating out of weakness, nor are we compromising justice. What we are doing is embracing a pragmatic, human-centered approach,” he said.
Col. Usman further explained that Governor Aliyu’s administration is combining military deployment with reconciliation efforts to stabilise hard-hit communities in Rabah, Goronyo, Isa, Sabon Birni, and other local governments.
“Our people… are living with the daily trauma of displacement. Farmers have abandoned their fields, food production has dropped, and economic activities have come to a halt in many communities. This has direct consequences on food security and inflation across the state,” he noted.
The government said its outreach to willing bandits includes strict supervision and rehabilitation programmes, not blind forgiveness or blanket amnesty.
“We are opening the door to those who genuinely wish to surrender and reintegrate into society… This is not appeasement — this is strategic reconciliation for long-term peace and development,” Usman stated.
In a swipe at Guyawa, the statement questioned the sincerity of his criticism, alleging that he had previously shown interest in mediating between the government and armed groups.
“It is surprising that he now criticizes a similar effort by the government he once sought to assist. This inconsistency calls into question the sincerity of his current stance,” the statement said.
Col. Usman urged stakeholders and critics to focus on constructive engagement rather than public condemnation, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could derail delicate security efforts.
“The challenges facing Sokoto State require unity, not division; collaboration, not condemnation. The people deserve solutions — and that is exactly what Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration is working tirelessly to provide,” he said.
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