In a recent viral video, a soldier identified as Suleiman S., clad in a Nigerian Army uniform, has sharply criticized the government for its approach to handling banditry. Suleiman alleges that the government’s policy of paying ransoms to bandits is undermining the military’s efforts to combat them effectively. He argues that this practice only emboldens bandits to continue their criminal activities, as they know they will be paid.
Suleiman calls on the public to shift their criticism from the Nigerian Army to the government, stressing that soldiers are limited by their orders and cannot act independently. According to him, the military possesses the capability to eliminate bandits, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Zamfara State forest, within a week if properly directed.
Expressing his frustration, Suleiman claims that the military’s potential is squandered due to a lack of decisive action from leadership, whom he accuses of benefiting financially from the ongoing crisis. He cites the improved security situation in Maiduguri as evidence of what could be achieved with proper military engagement, noting that bandits in the area have even started surrendering.
The soldier also suggests that despite having information about bandit locations, the military is being prevented from acting in Zamfara and other regions. He hints at a broader conspiracy, pointing to the recent assassination of the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State as part of a coordinated effort to sustain insecurity.
In his video statement, Suleiman remarks, “May the peace and blessings of God be upon you all. Today, bandits are so bold that they operate openly on TikTok, kidnapping at will and demanding ransoms which are often paid by the government. The public should stop blaming the Nigerian Army. We follow orders, and we have the means to defeat these bandits.”
He continues, “If our leaders give us the command to confront these bandits directly, we could defeat them in a week. Zamfara State’s forest is no match for our training and equipment.”
Suleiman further criticizes the government for not addressing the bandit problem effectively, highlighting that in Zamfara, certain roads are inaccessible due to bandit activity while the government allegedly knows their whereabouts but does not permit military action. He also notes that the recent killing of the District Head of Gobir may be linked to a larger plot by those who benefit from the ongoing instability.
The soldier concludes, “As a soldier, I can only act based on orders. Without directives from our leaders, we are powerless. However, if given the order to tackle the bandits, every soldier will act to eradicate them.”
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