The Northern Group for Peace and Development has called on residents of Northern Nigeria to reject and expose individuals and groups involved in terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
The group warned that criminal elements must not be allowed to define the identity and image of the region, noting that their activities were damaging its reputation, threatening livelihoods, disrupting economic activities and subjecting innocent residents to fear and hardship.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its national coordinator, Gidado Muktar, the group said the North belonged to millions of peace-loving, hardworking and law-abiding citizens who should not allow a handful of criminals to undermine the region’s development prospects.
“The North belongs to millions of peace-loving, hardworking and law-abiding citizens. We cannot allow a handful of criminal elements to destroy our communities, undermine our economy and give our region a bad name.
“Northerners must reject, expose and refuse to protect those involved in these criminal activities,” Muktar said.
The group urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, youth organisations and residents to collaborate with security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence to identify criminal elements, prevent attacks and dismantle criminal networks.
It also called on the federal government to strengthen the capacity of security agencies through adequate equipment, logistics, intelligence support and improved personnel welfare.
The group further advocated stronger inter-agency collaboration and sustained security operations against terrorist hideouts and kidnapping networks.
Muktar stressed that perpetrators of insecurity and their collaborators must be identified, apprehended and prosecuted, urging communities to deny criminal groups protection, information and logistical support.
Meanwhile, the group commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for recent operational successes against terrorists and kidnappers in Borno, Kogi and Kebbi States.
It described the reported achievements as evidence of the military’s efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
The group particularly applauded troops of Operation HADIN KAI for repelling an ISWAP attack on their positions in Kukawa, Borno State, on October 31, during which several terrorists, including members of the group’s Shura Council and commanders, were reportedly neutralised.
It also commended troops for discovering and detonating an improvised explosive device along the Baga–Cross Road in Borno State, as well as arresting seven suspected terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers in Damasak.
In Kogi State, the group praised troops of the Nigerian Army’s 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force for destroying a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area.
According to the statement, troops recovered 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, motorcycles and other items during the operation.
It also acknowledged the efforts of troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE and operatives of the Department of State Services in arresting a suspected kidnapper who allegedly demanded N200,000 from a female resident under the threat of abduction.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, troops reportedly neutralised two suspected bandits during an ambush along the Adankolo–Apata Road.
Similarly, the Group applauded troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA for rescuing 11 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Ribah town and the Wasagu-Falfala general area of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
It said the operations demonstrated the importance of timely intelligence, rapid response and sustained military presence in vulnerable communities.
The Northern Group for Peace and Development reaffirmed its support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies, urging them to sustain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the country.
It maintained that restoring peace and security in the North required a collective commitment from the government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.