In a recent interview on Voice of the People (VOP), political analyst Prince Francis Chilaka raised serious concerns about the growing trend of public figures advocating negotiations with bandits, warning that such actions may embolden criminal groups rather than weaken them.
Chilaka stated, “You’ve heard of Sheikh Gumi, who goes around asking the government to negotiate with bandits.” He argued that while the cleric’s visits and appeals may be framed as peace efforts, they have unintentionally created a narrative that portrays bandits as legitimate actors worthy of dialogue rather than criminals who should be brought to justice.
The analyst linked this to Nigeria’s broader security failures, referencing incidents such as the killing of Brigadier General Mohammed Uba in Borno State and the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maru, in Kebbi State. According to him, the constant cycle of negotiations, ransoms, and appeasement signals weakness and encourages criminal networks to expand their operations.
Chilaka stressed that Nigeria cannot continue oscillating between force and negotiation without a clear national strategy. He argued that those who publicly promote dialogue with violent groups must also be held accountable for the unintended consequences of normalizing criminality.
He concluded that the country must prioritize restoring the rule of law. According to him, only a firm, intelligence-driven security approach—combined with transparency and community cooperation—can dismantle the structures that allow bandits to thrive and prevent future tragedies across the nation. Read Original