"Tambuwal Stated That He Held Talks With Criminal Groups, Identifying Them as a Mix of Foreign and Local Individuals"

Democratic party ally, Aminu Tambuwal, of the African Congress, acknowledges clandestine discussions with criminal groups behind the scenes during his tenure.

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2025 September 14 . 1:10 PM

2 min read

"Tambuwal States: Bandits We Dealt With Contain Foreign and Local Elements"

"Tambuwal Stated That He Held Talks With Criminal Groups, Identifying Them as a Mix of Foreign and Local Individuals"

Aminu Tambuwal, a prominent Nigerian politician and member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, has raised concerns about the persistent issue of banditry in Nigeria. In an interview on Channels Television's programme, Politics Today, Tambuwal lamented that the country's borders are not properly secured, and he linked the problem to issues in the Sahel and Libya.

Tambuwal emphasised that banditry in Nigeria is a complex issue, involving both foreign and Nigerian elements. He stated that the problem has roots that date back to the 1980s, with the influx of arms into the Sahel region contributing to the current crisis.

The former Governor of Sokoto, Tambuwal, explained that banditry is not just a criminal enterprise, but a lucrative one, generating significant income for those involved. However, he also noted that it differs from Boko Haram in that it lacks a clear command structure and is more internally conflicted.

In a surprising revelation, Tambuwal admitted to negotiating with bandits through backdoor channels during his tenure as Governor of Sokoto. He further admitted that he had previously kept these contacts secret but decided to reveal them on television.

Tambuwal's comments come at a time when banditry has become a significant threat to peace and security in several parts of Nigeria. The issue is thought to be linked to the instability in the Sahel and Libya, with foreign elements believed to be involved.

As the nation grapples with this challenge, Tambuwal's insights offer a perspective on the complexities of the banditry issue and the need for a comprehensive approach to address it. His call for improved border security and a deeper understanding of the roots of the problem underscores the urgent need for action to restore peace and stability to affected communities.