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ACF leader Bashir Dalhatu urges the FG to grant amnesty and rehabilitation support to Fulani militias labeled as bandits.
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Says many perpetrators are deprived youths who need reintegration, not only force.
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Calls for a dual approach—dialogue plus firm consequences—to tackle northern insecurity.
Bashir Dalhatu, a senior leader of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has called on the Federal Government to adopt an amnesty programme for Fulani ethnic militias—commonly referred to as bandits—similar to the initiatives previously implemented for Niger Delta militants.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Dalhatu said the government should consider structured amnesty and financial rehabilitation packages as part of its approach to combating insecurity in the North.
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“The federal government should give these people amnesty and financial support just like the Niger Delta militants were given,” he said.
He argued that many of those involved in banditry are young men who have suffered years of deprivation, limited education, and a lack of economic opportunity. According to him, engaging them through dialogue and rehabilitation could help address the root causes of violence.
Dalhatu clarified that his call for amnesty does not equate to endorsing criminal acts. Instead, he said it presents a pathway to reintegrate misguided youths into society.
“This is not about condoning crime but about helping to reintegrate these youths into society,” he added.
The ACF chief also recommended a twin-track strategy combining dialogue with deterrence.
He stated that while the government must extend “a hand of friendship,” it should also maintain firm consequences for criminal behaviour.
His remarks have reignited nationwide debates on whether amnesty programmes could contribute to resolving Nigeria’s escalating banditry and insecurity challenges.
