A security analyst and Convener of the Katsina Security Community Initiative, Bashir Kurfi, has criticised ongoing peace negotiations between government authorities and armed groups in northern Nigeria, describing the arrangements as flawed, dangerous and capable of undermining national security.
Kurfi, who previously served as a consultant to the Libyan government under the late Col. Muammar Gaddafi on alternatives to World Bank policies, made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
According to him, genuine peace negotiations require structure, accountability and equal commitment from all parties, arguing that many of the agreements reached with bandit groups in Nigeria fall short of internationally recognised conflict resolution standards.
“They have these so-called peace agreements, but the peace agreement itself is a tragedy,” he said.
Kurfi alleged that bandit groups frequently dictate the terms of negotiations, including selecting meeting venues within their territories and attending discussions while armed, whereas government officials and community representatives arrive without weapons.
“When they are making peace agreements with these terrorists, the bandits direct where the meeting should take place—in their enclave, in the bush. They also come with their guns. How do you have a peace agreement where the government and the community come unarmed, while the bandits remain armed?” he queried.
The security analyst cited what he described as a disturbing incident involving the killing of a senior police officer in Katsina State, arguing that it illustrated the contradictions surrounding peace initiatives with criminal groups.
He alleged that after the officer was killed, a bandit leader identified as Jankari removed the officer’s uniform and celebrated the attack with other members of the gang before later attending a government-backed peace meeting wearing the slain officer’s uniform.
“When they went for this so-called peace agreement, that same Jankari came to the meeting with government officials, traditional rulers and police personnel wearing the uniform of the assistant commissioner of police he had killed. In a peace process, you should avoid reopening wounds,” Kurfi said.
He maintained that such developments were disrespectful to security institutions and undermined the credibility of dialogue aimed at restoring peace.
Kurfi also questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s intelligence gathering and military operations, arguing that advances in surveillance and communication technology should make it easier to track and apprehend criminal elements.
Referring to the recent abduction and killing of a senior military officer, he wondered why security agencies had been unable to locate the perpetrators despite prolonged communication during the incident.
“It shows the contradictions in the system. With present technology, if authorities want to locate someone using a phone, they should be able to do so. So what is happening?” he asked.
Beyond the peace process, Kurfi expressed concern over what he described as the growing movement of armed groups into southern parts of the country, particularly around mining communities, where he alleged they often find safe havens.
According to him, there appears to be a relationship between illegal mining activities and the persistence of banditry, claiming that criminal groups rarely attack mining operations located deep inside forests despite the presence of workers and foreign nationals.
“You know mining has a positive correlation with banditry. When you visit some of these mining locations in the forest, you will find foreigners working there, yet the bandits never attack them. That raises serious questions about possible collaboration,” he alleged.
Kurfi further claimed that many mining settlements had evolved into centres for illicit activities, including drug trafficking, prostitution and the sale of alcohol, creating conditions that sustain criminal networks.
He argued that such environments provide economic opportunities and logistical support that may indirectly benefit armed groups operating in surrounding forests.
Warning that insecurity cannot be addressed solely through military operations or isolated peace initiatives, Kurfi urged policymakers and security agencies to examine the broader economic and social conditions fuelling criminality.
“A serious country must examine the implications of these developments. You cannot ignore these contradictions if you truly want to solve the security challenges confronting the country,” he said.
He noted that lasting peace would require addressing the structural factors driving insecurity alongside strengthening law enforcement and intelligence capabilities.
