- Ex-NYSC DG Maharazu Tsiga says negotiations cannot end banditry
- He urged stronger action against criminal networks
- Tsiga called on Nigerians to support security agencies
Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), retired Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga, has said that negotiations alone will not end banditry and terrorism in Nigeria, urging authorities to adopt stronger and more coordinated security measures.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Tsiga made the remarks on Thursday in Kaduna during a press briefing organised by friends, colleagues and associates of the late retired Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Rabe.
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Addressing the country’s worsening security situation, the retired military officer said tackling banditry requires the combined efforts of government, security agencies, communities and citizens.
He argued that engaging armed groups in dialogue without confronting those who finance and support them would not produce lasting peace.
Drawing from his own experience after spending time in captivity, Tsiga said bandits and terrorists are unlikely to abandon criminal activities through negotiations alone.
According to him, security forces must intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal networks behind the attacks.
He maintained that the groups fear decisive military action and would be weakened if confronted effectively rather than repeatedly engaged in negotiations.
Tsiga also expressed concern over individuals allegedly assisting criminal groups by supplying resources, intelligence and other forms of support.
He claimed that while in captivity, he overheard discussions among bandit leaders about obtaining ammunition through people with access to government resources.
The retired general stressed that focusing solely on the armed attackers without targeting those backing them would not solve the country’s insecurity.
He questioned the value of negotiating with bandits while those benefiting financially from the violence continue to operate freely.
Tsiga appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence, insisting that national security is a shared responsibility.
He noted that military operations alone cannot succeed without active cooperation from local communities.
The former NYSC boss also urged residents in affected areas not to give in to fear, saying communities should work closely with security agencies to deny criminals safe havens.
According to him, sustainable peace can only be achieved when government, security institutions and citizens unite to dismantle both criminal groups and the networks sustaining them.
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