The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has slammed amnesty programmes for bandits and terrorists in the country.
The Chief of Army said this during a Courtesy visit by the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, in Abuja on Wednesday.
He noted that amnesty programmes instituted in many states had failed, instead of achieving it purpose, it becomes an avenue for them to regroup and plan more attacks.
Lagbaja said, “We also have the issue of the amnesty programme that has been instituted, and which has failed, not only in the North but also in many other states.
“I think we need to look at this issue of the amnesty programmes. The agreements have proven to be incorrigible and so amnesty has created an avenue for them to reorganise and launch attacks on defenseless citizens. So, I think we need to look at that.”
The Governor of Zamfara frustration has creeped into him due to the increasing rate of insecurity in the state.
Lawal said, “I’m frustrated that Zamfara is facing serious security challenges. I will say without mincing words, Zamfara is the state facing the most challenges in insecurity today. Therefore, for me, being the number one citizen, part of my responsibility is protecting lives and properties.
“It is sad to mention that there is never a day without people being killed in one area or local government or the other. This is very, very worrisome for us because, without security, development can’t take place.
“I cannot do this alone. I need the support of the Chief of Army Staff and his entire team. I need to bring peace to first Zamfara and then Nigeria in general.”
