Retired Colonel Sani Bello, a former military governor of old Kano State, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a broader security strategy by integrating police officers into military operations and recalling retired soldiers to combat rising banditry and insurgency.
According to a Daily Trust report published on Monday, June 29, 2026, Bello made the remarks during an interview with Premier Radio Kano. He argued that security agencies already possess intelligence on the locations of bandit leaders and their camps, stressing that the government has the surveillance capabilities and military assets needed to confront them.
“Do the bandits have aircraft? They don’t. They cannot possess the sophisticated weapons and technology available to the government,” Bello said.
He maintained that the continued activities of bandits should not be attributed to a lack of capacity, noting that their use of mobile phones and social media makes them traceable. Bello also commended Nigerian troops for their commitment despite operating under difficult conditions.
Drawing on his experience during the Nigerian Civil War, he recalled that retired personnel and members of the then Native Authority Police were mobilised to strengthen the armed forces, suggesting a similar approach could help address Nigeria’s current security challenges.
