Security Analyst Alleges Possible Insider Support for Bandits in Northwest
A security and intelligence analyst, Dr. Yahuza Getso, has alleged that some mid-level security operatives may be collaborating with bandits operating across Nigeria’s North-West, saying the criminals have moved freely along known routes for years without facing significant military action.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, monitored by SaharaReporters, Getso said the continued movement of armed groups through parts of Katsina, Kaduna, Kano and Zamfara states raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of security operations.
When asked whether he believed there was collusion between security personnel and bandits, Getso said the pattern of events made it difficult to dismiss.
“I think this is very clear,” he said.
According to him, bandits have repeatedly travelled through communities around Bakori, Faskari, Sabuwa, Funtua, Dandume, Kankara and neighbouring local government areas in Katsina State, as well as Birnin Gwari and Giwa in Kaduna State, without being challenged.
“There are routes that, 100 percent, within every 24 hours, these criminals pass through, and there has never been an attempt to stop or attack them,” he claimed.
Getso alleged that for the past six years, the armed groups have continued to move in large convoys through these areas.
“They move in hundreds — not two motorcycles, not three, not five, not ten — but in hundreds, within every 24 hours in the last six years,” he said.
He argued that establishing permanent military formations along the routes would have reduced attacks on rural communities and made travel safer for residents.
According to him, roads such as the Funtua-Dandume route could have been secured if security forces had maintained a constant presence.
The analyst also identified other routes linking Malumfashi, Kafur, Matazu, Musawa and Bakori in Katsina State to Rogo and Karaye in Kano State, alleging that they are frequently used by bandits.
He further claimed that communities including Dan Musa, Charanchi, Batsari, Birnin Magaji, Zurmi, Shinkafi and areas bordering the Niger Republic contain permanent bandit camps where attacks are planned.
“There are many places where these guys have permanent bases. That is where they meet, strategise and carry out all sorts of atrocities,” he alleged.
Getso also claimed that traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians and senior government officials were aware of the locations of the camps.
“All the traditional leaders, all the religious leaders, all the political leaders, all the administrative leaders at the macro level have this information. They know about it,” he said.
He challenged anyone disputing his claims to a public debate, insisting he had evidence to support his allegations.
“If they say they don’t know, I am ready to buy one hour on Trust TV or any other media outlet and present my facts against them,” he said.
Responding to a question on whether state governors were aware of the situation, Getso said governors of Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto had previously spoken publicly about aspects of the security crisis.
“The clips are there on YouTube. Anybody who wants them should go and check,” he added.
