Retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, a former Director of Army Public Relations, has said the government is intensifying efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping, although criminal groups have benefited from a favourable operating environment.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Usman said sustained security operations are essential to protect lives, restore public confidence and improve national security.
“The bandits and kidnappers have found a conducive environment, and with this, I can see that the government is trying to stifle them,” Usman said.
He stressed that security forces must continue putting pressure on armed groups to limit their freedom of movement and operational capacity, arguing that a stronger military presence would reduce the ability of criminal organisations to operate.
However, Usman said military deployments alone would not provide a lasting solution. “It requires adequate logistics, intelligence, funding, personnel, and sustained support for the troops carrying out these operations,” he added.
According to the retired general, defeating banditry and kidnapping will require effective intelligence sharing, proper planning and close cooperation among security agencies to restore peace and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.
