The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has questioned the amnesty programmes for terrorists and bandits in Nigeria, adding that it has failed to achieve its purpose and beneficiaries have refused to repent and exploit the opportunity to regroup and continue their nefarious activities. He made this known on Wednesday when the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, paid him a courtesy visit.
The COAS said, “So, I want to appeal to Your Excellency that as we come up with a strategy to address the issue, the state government should be disposed to the implementation of the measures that we will recommend so that together, we will address the activities of these criminal elements.
“We also have the issue of the amnesty programme that has been instituted, and which has failed, not only in the North but also in many other states.
“I think we need to look at this issue of the amnesty programmes. The agreements have proven to be incorrigible and so amnesty has created an avenue for them to reorganize and launch attacks on defenseless citizens. So, I think we need to look at that.”
In his response, Lawal said, “I’m frustrated that Zamfara is facing serious security challenges. I will say without mincing words, Zamfara is the state facing the most challenges in insecurity today. Therefore, for me, being the number one citizen, part of my responsibility is protecting lives and properties.
“It is sad to mention that there is never a day without people being killed in one area or local government or the other. This is very, very worrisome for us because, without security, development can’t take place.
“I cannot do this alone. I need the support of the Chief of Army Staff and his entire team. I need to bring peace to first Zamfara and then Nigeria in general.”