Dialogue, Not Force, Can End Insecurity — Ex-Customs ACG Lawal Bagiwa Advocates Peace Talks With Bandits

Former Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Alhaji Lawal Bagiwa, has expressed support for the idea of engaging in peace talks with bandits as a means of restoring security in troubled parts of the country. Bagiwa argued that dialogue remains a realistic approach to ending the prolonged violence in northern Nigeria, stressing that military operations alone have not yielded the desired results.

Speaking during an interview in Kaduna, the retired customs chief explained that while the activities of bandits are condemnable, a peace accord could pave the way for rehabilitation, disarmament, and reintegration of repentant fighters into society. He noted that many of the armed groups consist of displaced youths who were driven into criminality due to poverty, unemployment, and neglect.

According to Bagiwa, the government must balance firmness with diplomacy by combining negotiations with strong measures to prevent a relapse into violence. He urged security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to play active roles in mediating discussions that would ensure lasting peace and stability across the affected regions.

The former Customs boss, however, cautioned that any peace deal must be transparent and inclusive to avoid rewarding criminal behavior. He maintained that addressing the root causes of insecurity—such as illiteracy, unemployment, and poor governance—would be key to ensuring that banditry does not resurface after peace agreements are reached.