Ex-Kano Governor Calls for Military Support Against Banditry

Colonel Sani Bello (retd), who served as the military governor of Kano State from 1975 to 1978, called on the Nigerian government to integrate police personnel with military operations and to recall retired soldiers to strengthen the fight against banditry and insurgency across Nigeria. In an interview with Premier Radio Kano, Bello stated that security agencies are aware of the locations of notorious bandit leaders and possess the capacity to eliminate them but lack sufficient political will.

He criticized the government's inability to effectively track and confront bandits, despite having access to advanced military technology. Bello noted that the Nigerian Army is currently operating below required strength, with battalions comprising only around 200 soldiers instead of the necessary 700.

He advocated for a significant increase in troop numbers and the temporary recall of retired military personnel to support ongoing operations, drawing parallels to military recruitment during the Nigerian Civil War and World War II.