Outrage as Nigerian Army Seen Meeting with Notorious Bandits in Katsina: Tinubu Faces Growing Backlash Over Insecurity

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KATSINA, Nigeria – A storm of outrage has erupted across the country after disturbing images and videos surfaced showing wanted bandit kingpins—allegedly including fugitive Ado Aleru—openly meeting and exchanging pleasantries with officers of the Nigerian Army and Police in Katsina State.

The meeting, held on June 14, 2025, is sparking national concern and renewed criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. The footage shows military personnel shaking hands and appearing relaxed in the company of notorious bandits, some of whom have been linked to mass killings, kidnappings, and terror attacks across the North-West.

Eyewitnesses claim the bandits threatened further attacks if they continue to be referred to as “terrorists” by authorities and the media.

Among those spotted in the viral footage is Ado Aleru, a heavily wanted bandit leader previously sanctioned by the Nigerian government. His reappearance, this time in what appears to be a peace dialogue with state forces, is being widely interpreted as another sign that Nigeria’s security strategy has failed.

A Nigerian Special Forces soldier, speaking anonymously, revealed to independent sources that army personnel are frequently ordered to “look the other way” during Fulani herdsmen attacks in places like Benue and other central states. “We are told not to engage or stop them,” the soldier said. “It’s heartbreaking to witness innocent people slaughtered while we’re told to stand down.”

Critics argue this is more than just a security lapse—it is a dangerous pattern of state-sanctioned complicity. Despite the establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and numerous promises by the Tinubu administration to curb terror and banditry, incidents like this expose deep systemic failures.

International human rights watchdog Amnesty International had already criticized the government in a 2023 report for widespread human rights abuses and ineffective leadership within Tinubu’s first six months in office.

This latest incident is fueling calls for political accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Nigerians must not forget this moment,” said one civic rights advocate in Abuja. “We need leaders who will confront terrorists, not dine with them.”

As the images continue to trend online, public confidence in the current administration’s ability to ensure national security appears to be at an all-time low.

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