Nigeria: Dining with the bandits, by Niyi AJALA

Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Across several parts of the country, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, banditry has evolved from isolated criminal activities into a well-organized enterprise that threatens national security, economic stability, and public confidence in government.

What is most disturbing is the growing perception that the nation is gradually becoming comfortable with negotiating, appeasing, and, in some cases, indirectly rewarding those who terrorize innocent citizens. When communities are forced to pay levies to armed groups, when ransom payments become a routine means of securing the release of abducted victims, and when criminals dictate the pace of life in rural areas, one cannot help but ask: Is Nigeria dining with the bandits?

Even more alarming is the apparent southward migration of bandit activities. For years, many Nigerians viewed banditry as a problem largely confined to the North-West. That assumption is no longer valid. The South-West, once considered relatively secure, is increasingly experiencing the menace of kidnappings and armed attacks. Recent abductions in communities around Ogbomoso and other parts of Oyo state have heightened fears that criminal networks are expanding their operational territories. Reports of school-related kidnappings in Oyo state have further reinforced concerns that bandits are exploiting forests and poorly governed rural areas to establish new strongholds.

The events of June 10, 2026, in Kogi state provide another grim reminder of the growing insecurity. Armed bandits reportedly invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu local government area with the intention of abducting students and residents. Although security forces eventually repelled the attackers, the incident resulted in the deaths of a vice principal, a young child, and another victim. The attack demonstrates the boldness of criminal groups and their willingness to target educational institutions and vulnerable communities.

The consequences of this dangerous trend are profound. Farmers abandon their fields for fear of attack, leading to reduced food production and rising food prices. Children are denied education as schools become targets for kidnappers. Businesses relocate or shut down, while entire communities live under the shadow of fear.

While dialogue and reconciliation have their place in conflict resolution, they must never replace justice and accountability. A nation that consistently rewards criminality risks encouraging more criminality. History has shown that peace built on concessions to violent actors is often temporary and fragile.

The government must therefore strengthen intelligence gathering, improve the welfare and equipment of security personnel, and ensure that perpetrators face swift and decisive justice. Equally important is addressing the underlying factors that fuel insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and the proliferation of illegal arms.

Citizens also have a role to play. Community vigilance, cooperation with security agencies, and the rejection of all forms of support for criminal elements are essential to restoring peace and security.

Nigeria cannot afford to normalize banditry. The nation must decide whether it will continue to accommodate those who undermine its sovereignty or confront the menace with the seriousness it deserves. The future of millions of Nigerians depends on that choice.

A country cannot prosper while dining with bandits. It must instead stand firmly on the side of justice, security, and the rule of law.