The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs) in Katsina State is demanding an immediate and thorough investigation into serious allegations made by a retired military officer, Major Ahmad Ibrahim, who claims that some soldiers in the state are collaborating with bandits. This call for investigation follows an exclusive interview with Ibrahim aired on Arise News, which has raised concerns about the integrity of security forces in the region.
Major Ibrahim, a retired Army officer, is currently the Commander of the Katsina State Community Security Watch Corps in Dandume Local Government Area. In his interview, he revealed that soldiers stationed in Dandume released a suspect whom he had arrested with 30 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition. Ibrahim explained that the suspect, after being arrested, confessed that a soldier had given him the ammunition. The suspect was handed over to Army personnel for further investigation, but surprisingly, the soldier was released prematurely. Ibrahim’s allegations point to a disturbing possibility that certain members of the military may be complicit in aiding bandits who have been terrorizing the region.
The retired Major’s revelations have sparked an outcry among local civil society groups, who argue that such allegations are too serious to be ignored, especially given the rising insecurity in the state. Katsina has seen a surge in kidnappings and banditry, with criminals increasingly targeting both rural and urban areas. These violent acts are often accompanied by demands for large ransoms, further destabilizing the community.
Abdurrahman Abdullahi Dutsin-Ma, the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Katsina, issued a press statement urging both the federal and state governments to take immediate action. Dutsin-Ma stressed that the allegations made by a former senior military officer should not be dismissed lightly, as they directly impact the safety and security of citizens.
“At this time when the state is bedeviled with rising cases of kidnapping for ransom and banditry, the allegations coming from a retired senior military officer are too serious to be ignored,” Dutsin-Ma stated. He added that the CCSOs are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation into the matter.
The CCSOs have also expressed concerns that failure to address these allegations promptly could lead to a further erosion of public trust in the country’s security apparatus. They emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential to restore faith in the fight against insecurity.
“The content of this video has sparked widespread concern among citizens and underscores the need to uphold the integrity of our security institutions and to maintain public trust in the fight against insecurity in the state,” the CCSOs’ statement read. “The allegations, if substantiated, point to potential lapses in security protocols and oversight. It is imperative that our leaders address these concerns promptly to prevent further erosion of confidence in our security forces.”
The civil society groups are also calling for the establishment of a panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations. They have recommended that the panel consist of members from various sectors, including civil society, to ensure an unbiased and thorough review. The findings of the investigation should be made public to foster trust and transparency in the process.
“It is crucial that the investigation be transparent,” the statement said. “The public must be kept informed about the progress and findings of the investigation to ensure that the process is credible.”
The demand for an independent and transparent inquiry comes at a time when the state is facing growing unrest. In recent years, Katsina has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s battle against banditry, which has plagued several northern states. Bandits, often operating in well-armed groups, carry out violent raids, kidnapping civilians, looting villages, and engaging in extortion. The situation has worsened as these criminal elements appear to have local sympathizers who provide them with logistical support, including weapons and ammunition.
In a state where security forces are crucial to maintaining order, allegations of military complicity in such crimes are deeply troubling. The CCSOs are urging the government to take immediate steps to address the issue and hold any wrongdoers accountable.
“The integrity of our security institutions is paramount,” the statement continued. “If there are indeed soldiers involved in these criminal activities, they must be brought to justice. This will send a clear message that no one is above the law, not even those who are supposed to protect us.”
Katsina, like many other northern states, has been grappling with the scourge of banditry for several years. The state’s proximity to Nigeria’s northwestern border with Niger Republic has made it a hotspot for cross-border criminal activity. This has contributed to the ongoing instability in the region, with many communities living in constant fear of bandit attacks.
The state’s government, led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has consistently sought federal support to tackle the banditry crisis. However, many residents have expressed frustration with the slow progress in addressing the security challenges. The recent allegations of military involvement in aiding bandits only add to the growing concerns about the effectiveness of security operations in the region.
Major Ibrahim’s claims are not the first of their kind to surface in Nigeria. In recent years, similar allegations have been made about the involvement of security personnel in criminal activities. These accusations have raised questions about the ability of the Nigerian military and other security forces to police themselves and maintain discipline within their ranks.
In response to these concerns, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has called for an end to the culture of impunity within Nigeria’s security forces. They argue that the government’s response to the current crisis will set a precedent for how such allegations are handled in the future.
“Addressing these allegations with the seriousness they deserve will demonstrate a commitment to justice and the rule of law,” the CCSOs concluded. “Failure to do so will undermine the very foundation of our fight against insecurity.”
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Nigerian government and the Katsina State leadership to take swift action to investigate the claims and restore confidence in the nation’s security apparatus.
