Why Banditry Proves a Formidable Military Challenge: Analysis by a Civil War Veteran
In the complex and often frustrating fight against banditry in Nigeria, military solutions alone have repeatedly proven insufficient. According to retired Colonel Samaila Yombe, a veteran of the nation’s civil war, the resilience of these non-state armed groups is not a matter of superior firepower but a consequence of deep-rooted strategic, social, and environmental factors. Understanding this multifaceted threat is the first step toward crafting an effective, lasting solution to the insecurity plaguing vast regions of the country.
The Asymmetric Nature of the Conflict
Colonel Yombe explains that bandits do not engage in conventional warfare. They operate as fluid, decentralized networks, avoiding direct confrontation with the military. Their tactics are rooted in guerrilla warfare: striking soft targets, melting into the local population, and using their superior knowledge of the treacherous terrain to their advantage. This makes it exceptionally difficult for conventional troops to pin them down in a decisive battle. Each time troops rescue 86 hostages in a daring operation, the asymmetric nature of the conflict means the militant groups simply disperse and regroup, ready to strike elsewhere. This cycle underscores the need for a more nuanced approach beyond kinetic operations.
The Socio-Economic Breeding Ground
A critical element often overlooked is the fertile ground upon which banditry thrives. Widespread poverty, lack of education, and profound economic disenfranchisement create a ready pool of recruits. For many young men in affected regions, joining a bandit group is perceived as the only viable economic alternative. This is why initiatives where the PCC receives 4,652 complaints or the government launches new economic programs are so vital. When the FG targets $74bn in new investments, particularly in infrastructure and job creation for the north, it strikes at the very root of the problem. Without addressing these underlying drivers, military efforts alone are akin to cutting the weed without pulling up its roots.
Navigating the Right Way Crisis
The retired colonel highlights what he terms the “right way crisis.” This refers to the critical juncture where the government must choose a comprehensive path forward. The right way crisis is not solely a military dilemma but a governance one. It involves integrating security operations with robust intelligence gathering, community engagement, and deradicalization programs. The current situation presents this exact crossroads: continue with a purely militarized response or adopt a holistic strategy that combines force with diplomacy, development, and justice. Finding the right way out of this crisis is paramount for national stability.
The Imperative for State Policing
A recurring theme in security discussions is the limitation of a centralized police force in a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria. Colonel Yombe posits that the military is often stretched thin, acting as a first responder in domestic security matters for which it is not ideally structured. The debate on creating state police is, therefore, more than political; it is a strategic necessity. The argument for state police is finally gaining the serious traction it deserves because local law enforcement would have a better understanding of the terrain, the people, and the specific security dynamics of their area. This localized intelligence is a game-changer in counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations. Many believe that state police is finally the missing link in the chain of community-oriented security.
Conclusion: A Multi-Dimensional Solution
The challenge of banditry, as analyzed by Colonel Samaila Yombe, cannot be defeated by bullets and bombs alone. While the bravery of security forces is undeniable, as seen when troops rescue 86 individuals from captivity, a sustainable victory requires a broader campaign. This includes economic revitalization, as when the FG targets $74bn to spur development, and strengthening the justice system, evident when the PCC receives 4,652 cases for resolution. The nation is at a pivotal right way crisis, demanding a shift in strategy. A critical part of this new approach must be the serious consideration of state police, finally empowering local communities to become active participants in their own security and paving the way for a more peaceful future.
