Bandits Are Jihadists Not Terrorists As Federal Government Cannot Deploy Full Military Force Against Them, APC Chieftain Warns

 

Abdulrahoof Bello, a prominent All Progressives Congress chieftain, has sparked debate by describing Nigeria’s bandits as jihadists rather than terrorists, emphasizing that current legislation does not allow the federal government to unleash full military force against them. Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday, Mr Bello highlighted a critical legal gap preventing decisive action against armed criminal groups wreaking havoc in various regions of the country.

The APC leader stated that, to his knowledge, no law enacted by the National Assembly formally proscribes bandits as terrorists. This absence of a legal framework, he argued, has hindered President Bola Tinubu from implementing the type of military intervention expected by the United States government. He specifically referenced comments by former President Donald Trump, who reportedly anticipated stronger action from Nigeria to curb the violence attributed to armed bandits.

“The bandits are jihadists because, to the best of my knowledge, I am not aware of any law enacted by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria declaring these people as terrorists,” Mr Bello said. He described this legislative gap as a significant obstacle, preventing the federal government from delivering the level of military response demanded by international observers.

Pressure on the Tinubu administration has intensified following accusations from notable American politicians that Nigeria has failed to adequately respond to attacks allegedly targeting Christians. Mr Trump, among others, threatened the possibility of a U.S.-led military intervention should the Nigerian government fail to take immediate action, particularly in the northern regions where the crisis has been most severe.

Recent incidents have underlined the urgency of the situation. On November 12, bandits abducted 24 students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. Fortunately, the students were released earlier this week, but the relief was short-lived. Less than two weeks later, armed groups kidnapped 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. These abductions have reignited domestic and international concern, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures and urgent government intervention.

Mr Bello’s remarks reflect growing frustration among political actors regarding the limitations of Nigeria’s current counterterrorism framework. Analysts note that while bandits engage in violent and organized criminal activity, the lack of formal designation as terrorists complicates efforts to mobilize the military and utilize other legal instruments for decisive action.

As security concerns escalate, the Nigerian government faces mounting scrutiny both at home and abroad. Families of victims, human rights organizations, and global partners continue to demand a comprehensive strategy to curb the persistent attacks, prevent further abductions, and bring perpetrators to justice. The ongoing debate over classification, legislation, and appropriate military response underscores the complexity of addressing armed banditry in Nigeria’s volatile security environment.