As Nigeria Battles Banditry and Terrorism, Shehu Sani Discloses Challenges' Differences

As Nigeria Battles Banditry and Terrorism, Shehu Sani Discloses Challenges' Differences

  • Senator Shehu Sani has said many Nigerians are ignorant of the difference between banditry and terrorism
  • The PDP chieftain noted that banditry entails criminal activities perpetrated by armed gangs driven by money
  • Sani, a former federal lawmaker from Kaduna state, spoke on an X (formerly Twitter) space put together by Legit.ng

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public journalism.

Kaduna, Kaduna state - Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna state, has said there is a difference between banditry and terrorism.

Sani disclosed this while speaking recently on a space on X created by Legit.ng.

Insecurity in Nigeria/Shehu Sani/banditry in Nigeria/terrorism in Nigeria
Shehu Sani is displeased with the security situation in Nigeria. Photo credit: Shehu Sani
Source: Facebook

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said while terrorism entails the premeditated use of cruelty by an ideologically motivated individual or group, banditry refers to financially-motivated armed violence perpetrated by gangs.

Read also

I discouraged ransom payment until I became a victim: Ex-DSS director opens up

He said:

“A lot of people don’t know the difference between banditry and terrorism, and I will use this opportunity to give you an idea.
“Terrorism are violent activities of Islamist groups: like what you have, Boko Haram and ISIS. So these ones have a religious agenda; they have a political agenda. So, they have a leader, and they have an ideology.
“Bandits on the other hand are armed gangs whose major interest is money. They kidnap, you pay ransom, and you are free. But if you are kidnapped by a terrorist, many of them don’t accept ransom, they only force you to join their group. And they also have a leadership that seems to be outside of Nigeria."

Listen to the programme below:

More to read about banditry, terrorism

Read also

Why banditry, terrorism have lasted for long in Nigeria, Shehu Sani speaks out

Security agencies place influential Senator under surveillance

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a senator from the North was reportedly placed under scrutiny by national security agencies for allegedly working with terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

The influential legislator, who holds a significant role in the Senate, was accused of being a supporter and financial contributor to activities related to banditry and terrorism in Nigeria's northern region.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ridwan Adeola avatar

Ridwan Adeola (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content creator with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.