Banditry Has Its Economy: Minister of State for Defence Attributes Unending Insecurity to Economic Interests
The Minister of State for Defence in Nigeria, Bello Matawalle, has attributed the persistent banditry in the country’s northwest to what he calls “conflict entrepreneurs.”
He claims that this group of individuals benefits economically from criminal activities, creating a cycle that sustains insecurity.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Matawalle stated that these “conflict entrepreneurs” operate within the banditry economy, involving the sale of drugs, food, fuel, and other essentials.
He emphasised that these individuals, including informants, profit handsomely from the crimes, creating a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.
During his tenure as the governor of Zamfara State, Mr. Matawalle observed instances where basic commodities were sold at exorbitant prices within bandit enclaves.
For example, a bottle of coke sold for N100 in the city could be sold for as much as N500 to bandits.
Similarly, a bag of rice that costs between N18,000 and N21,000 could go for as much as N80,000 in bandit-controlled areas.
Mr. Matawalle highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in addressing security challenges, urging Nigerians to unite against these criminal activities.
He acknowledged the delicate nature of security issues and emphasised the need to eliminate every single criminal in the country.
While debunking claims that his government negotiated with bandits, Mr. Matawalle explained the different approaches to security, including both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
He was determined to tackle the issue by addressing all segments of the violence, including those benefiting.
The minister’s insights shed light on the complex dynamics contributing to the persistence of banditry in certain regions of Nigeria.
The economic interests of various actors, coupled with existing social and political factors, create challenges that require multifaceted solutions.
Source: Premium Times
