Osita Okechukwu, a foundation member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has backed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu’s position that military operations alone cannot end banditry in Nigeria.
Ribadu made the remark during a brainstorming session on coping with banditry organised by the Sokoto Advancement Forum in collaboration with the Centre for Peace Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
In a statement he signed, Okechukwu, a former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), described Ribadu’s position in local parlance as “Gbaam,” which is an emphatic expression of agreement.
He stressed that building community trust, protecting agriculture and rural livelihoods, and preventing youth recruitment into criminal networks are indispensable complements to military operations.
“We must measure progress by more than arrests, weapons recovered or territory cleared,” Okechukwu said.
“Success must also mean safer communities, returning families, productive farms, reopened schools, functioning markets and the restoration of public confidence.”
