The Kwara Forest: A New Haven for Bandits Fleeing the North-West
The recent influx of bandits into Kwara State from the North-West has raised concerns about the security situation in the region. These bandits, driven by the superior firepower of the military in their former stronghold, have now sought refuge in the thick forests of Kwara, closer to the southern markets for their illicit activities.
A top security source revealed that Kwara's dense forests provide an ideal hideout for the bandits, who have also found a lucrative market for their stolen cattle in Lagos, the largest consumer of cows in the country. The source noted that the sale of stolen meat in Lagos, among other southern states, is a significant draw for the bandits.
The security situation in the North-West, characterized by widespread cattle rustling, has led to the loss of 50,000 people and four million cattle, according to the President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). However, the source assured that the security forces are closely monitoring the situation in Kwara and are deploying 10,000 well-trained forest guards to confront the bandits and other criminals.
The bandits, including notorious figures like Bastuje and Soja, have relocated from Kaduna to Kwara and Kogi, where they find the forests and proximity to southern markets advantageous. The source emphasized that the security forces are determined to track down and eliminate these bandits, having already killed over 200 in Kwara in recent weeks.
The security source also addressed the poor management of the security situation by some state governments, attributing the insecurity to local factors in states like Katsina and Zamfara. They argued that the Federal Government's role is limited without the cooperation of state governments, who are part of the communities affected by the crisis.
Despite the challenges, the source highlighted the overall improvement in security across the country, with the ability to travel freely and the reduction of kidnapping incidents. The government's efforts to address the insecurity in the North-East, including the ongoing Boko Haram crisis, have been deemed successful, with a focus on long-term solutions and the arrest of terrorist leaders.
The source also addressed the connection between the insecurity in Nigeria and the crisis in the Sahel region, emphasizing that Nigeria remains a stable democracy amidst the turmoil in neighboring countries. The government's commitment to containing the crisis and the sacrifices made by those in government positions were highlighted as key aspects of the ongoing efforts to restore security and stability.
