Former Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche (Rtd.), has called for tougher action against banditry in Nigeria.
His past dealings with repentant fighters showed that some of them still plan to return to crime even after being released or taken through rehabilitation programmes, the former Defence spokesperson said.
He was reported to have spoken during an interview on Channels Television where he shared his experience of visiting a camp in Gombe State.
He said that in his engagement with surrendered fighters, some of them confessed that should they be arrested and subsequently released after undergoing reform efforts, they will still return to join armed groups.
“They have killed people all over the place and then say they are repenting later. I was a part of it. I went to their camp in Gombe and interviewed them. Some would tell me that even if you take me to prison and bring me out, I am still going back and join them. What’s your job? So we take the bull by the horns.”
He said the reality raises questions about relying solely on rehabilitation and peace efforts in dealing with violent groups.
He said that while some people may genuinely change, others are still fully committed to criminal activities and continue to pose danger to communities.
He said the continued insecurity in many parts of the country is an indication of the need for a combined approach.
He said security agencies should not hesitate to dismantle criminal networks that continue to threaten lives and property, saying this is necessary to restore safety in affected areas.
