99% of Bandits in Northern Nigeria Are Nigerians – Security Analyst Claims

Security and intelligence expert Yahuza Getso has claimed that almost all bandits operating across Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions are Nigerian citizens, insisting that security operatives are aware of their identities and whereabouts.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, Getso stated:
“99.9% of the bandits operating in North-West and North-Central Nigeria are Nigerians. We know them, we know who they are, we know where they are. They are not in any hideout or any difficult terrain.”

His comments follow renewed public outrage over two major security incidents: the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State.

The Kebbi attack happened around 4 a.m. on Monday when armed men invaded the school, killing the vice principal and abducting 25 female students. Despite earlier warnings of nearby attacks the previous day, the gunmen succeeded in breaching the community, leaving residents traumatized.

In a separate incident, Brigadier General Uba — initially declared safe by the Nigerian Army after an ISWAP ambush along the Damboa–Biu axis — was later confirmed dead. The Islamic State West Africa Province released images claiming responsibility for capturing and killing the senior military officer.

These events have intensified criticism of Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, with analysts warning that both insurgents and bandits appear increasingly emboldened.

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