The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has called for the military to take control of forests to tackle the problem of banditry in Nigeria,Daily Trust reports.
Dr. Ganduje made this statement during a visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to express condolences over the recent tanker explosion that claimed several lives in the state.
According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, on Thursday in Abuja, Ganduje emphasized the importance of proactive and decisive action to eliminate criminal activities in forests, which serve as hideouts for bandits.
As a former governor of Kano State, Ganduje recounted his own experience addressing banditry, stating: “The solution to this menace is to conquer the forests. The bandits are in the forest.
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Why have we been on the defensive instead of being on the offensive? When I was governor of Kano State, I requested, through the federal government, for the military to take over Falgore Forest. The military established a training ground there, and the bandits were driven out. That is why Kano enjoys peace today.”
In his response, Governor Bago thanked the APC leadership for their support and urged the federal government to address critical infrastructure needs, such as the Suleja-Minna road, to reduce accidents and enhance safety in the state.
