Chief of Army Staff questions amnesty programmes for terrorists, bandits

Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has criticised amnesty programmes for bandits and terrorists because they have failed to achieve their purposes in many states.

Lagbaja stated this when Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that beneficiaries see the programme as an opportunity to get pardoned, regroup and carry out more attacks.

“So, I want to appeal to Your Excellency that as we come up with a strategy to address the issue, the state government should be disposed to the implementation of the measures that we will recommend so that together we will address the activities of these criminal elements,” 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.”

On his part, Zamfara governor said he is frustrated due to the insecurity in the state.

“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.

He appealed to the Chief of Army Staff and his entire team for support to bring peace to Zamfara and Nigeria in general.