Uba Sani Warns Communities Against Shielding Bandits, Informants

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Tuesday issued a stern warning to communities across the state, cautioning them against harbouring bandits, informants, or any collaborators aiding criminal activities.

The governor’s message came against the backdrop of renewed bandit attacks and kidnappings in Kaduna and neighbouring states.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), who represented the governor, gave the warning during the Kaduna State Security Sector Stakeholders Engagement hosted at the Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army.

He made it clear that the fight against insecurity is being undermined by individuals and communities who offer protection knowingly or unknowingly to criminals.

“Communities must not shield criminals,” he declared. “Whether they are neighbours, relatives, or strangers seeking refuge, there must be no sanctuary for bandits, informants, or collaborators.”

He stressed that community silence and sympathy for criminals have deadly consequences, noting that “our silence or sympathy for crime costs innocent lives.”

While acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigerian troops combating insecurity, the governor insisted that the responsibility for restoring peace extends beyond the security agencies.

“The recent spike in banditry and kidnappings reminds us that security is not a task of government and military alone,” he said. “It demands collaboration and runs from the barracks to the farmlands, from command centers to the households of our citizens.”

Governor Sani outlined steps taken by his administration to strengthen the security architecture of the state, including enhanced logistical support to military operations, improved intelligence sharing, and the revival of community-driven security structures.

He said the government is “deepening the role of traditional and local institutions in reliable verified intelligence gathering” and expanding rural initiatives such as early warning systems and community watch structures.

Earlier in his remarks , the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General A.S.M. Wase, set the tone for the meeting, describing the gathering as a vital collaboration.

He said Kaduna, despite its strength and resilience, is grappling with threats such as “abduction of school children, attacks on villages and disruptions to daily life.”

General Wase said the engagement aimed to build trust, strengthen partnerships, and improve intelligence sharing among security agencies, traditional leaders, civil society, and community groups.

He urged participants to “engage in candid dialogue, challenge assumptions, and co-create solutions.”