Arewa Leader Urges FG to Give Bandits Amnesty, Money Like Niger Delta Militants

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Bashir Dalhatu, leader of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has called on the federal government to consider granting amnesty and financial support to Fulani ethnic militias, commonly referred to as bandits, similar to measures provided to Niger Delta militants.

Speaking on Arise TV, Dalhatu said, “The federal government should give these people amnesty and money just like the Niger Delta militants were given.” He added, “Many of them are young men who never had access to education or opportunities. If we engage them properly, it could reduce the level of violence we see in the north.”

He further stressed, “This does not mean the government should condone crime, but rather it should help rehabilitate and reintegrate these youths into society.” Dalhatu suggested a dual approach of dialogue and enforcement, saying, “We need to combine a hand of friendship with clear consequences for criminal behaviour.”

His comments have reignited public debate over how to address banditry in Nigeria and whether amnesty programs could provide a long-term solution to insecurity.