The Nigerian military have been advised by Zamfara state-based kidnapped kingpin to abandon its kinetic approach and toe the path of dialogue
In a viral video posted by Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region on his X handle on Monday, the terrorist is heard mocking the Armed Forces and bragging that despite the escalation of strikes, banditry would continue to thrive.
He asserted that banditry would never be subdued by the power of guns as according to him, “We depend on God and from him we draw our strength.”
He further claimed that military personnel had to run and abandon their post in a recent encounter.
He said, “Nigerian Armed Forces, you’re lying, by the will of God, you cannot conquer us. What do you think of us, some despised ragtag guys? We understand you’re bragging that your troops will lay ambush at the usual spot to get us. I urge you to do just that, by the will of God you’re in for a bitter encounter with us; just keep waiting there we’ll soon be coming to you.
“How did you forget yesterday’s engagement in such a hurry, how you fled into a nearby town because of our firepower? Therefore, for God’s sake stop misleading the public about your failed campaign. After you disgracefully fled, we proceeded westward, towards Danbaza where we blocked the highway and abducted travellers in their numbers.
“We also proceeded and dealt with the vigilantes at Gidan-Taba. For God’s sake, why didn’t you come over there to us?
“Be informed that by the will of God, you cannot achieve what you’re daydreaming about; you’re just lying to yourself and the public. Unlike you, we depend on God and from him we draw our strength contrary to you people who don’t trust God but operate without guidance.
“Now that you guys have failed, you know you’re not going to win; stop deceiving the public. It’s time we dialogue to stop hurting innocent people because we know too that we’re not on the right path, but it’s all about survival.”
“Therefore, let’s come to terms so we can stop banditry. You know you cannot stop us through the use of force, it is about time to go diplomatic; it is time to dialogue because we’re not some kids that you can easily scare away. No, not at all! I’m currently fasting, I’m not an ignorant person; so you cannot take me for a ride,” the terrorist added.
