Colonel Samaila Yombe (rtd), a veteran of the Nigerian Civil War and former Deputy Governor of Kebbi State (2015–2019), has warned that the escalating insecurity in the North-West requires urgent, strategic, and well-coordinated action. Yombe, who fought from 1967 until the war ended in 1970, is no stranger to conflict—his convoy was attacked by suspected bandits in 2022.
In this in-depth interview, he speaks on President Bola Tinubu’s recent security directives, state policing, border weaknesses, the abduction of the Kebbi Deputy Speaker, and how Nigeria can finally break the cycle of banditry.
On Tinubu’s Directive for State Police and Mass Recruitment of Security Personnel
Yombe began by examining the realities in Kebbi State:
According to him, Kebbi does not have the kind of deep forests where bandits naturally hide. Instead, attackers invade from neighbouring Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger State, and the Niger Republic. He explained that Kebbi South remains the most affected because of repeated encroachments from those borders.
He noted that bandits exploit “directional surprise”—appearing from unexpected angles that soldiers are not prepared for, making it difficult to respond effectively.
Yombe welcomed President Tinubu’s plan to recruit more soldiers, police officers, forest guards, and eventually establish state police, describing it as the right move to address overstretched security manpower.
Why Insecurity Has Escalated in Kebbi and What Must Change
The retired officer said the terrain—thick forests, hills, and vast ungoverned spaces—gives bandits an operational advantage.
He insists the situation will not improve until Nigeria physically occupies these forests, a task the current security manpower cannot handle alone.
He stressed that once Tinubu’s recruitment drive takes effect, the increased personnel will enable forces to clear the forests, block escape routes, and reduce kidnappings and raids.
Preventing Abuse of State Police
Yombe warned that without proper safeguards, state police could be misused for political purposes.
According to him, three things are essential:
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Proper training of all security agents
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De-radicalisation of demobilized members
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Political education for leaders to stop using insecurity as a tool
He noted widespread suspicion that politicians support some of the criminal groups, and while he would not outrightly endorse such claims, he emphasized the need to confront the reality honestly.
On the Abduction of the Kebbi Deputy Speaker
Recounting the incident, Yombe explained that the Deputy Speaker was kidnapped shortly after praying in a mosque. The attackers—believed to be Lakurawa from the Sahel—crossed into Kebbi through the porous border, seized him, and escaped on motorcycles into forests outside Nigeria.
He said the rescue operation involved the DSS and the military, who tracked and recovered the lawmaker.
Yombe believes the abductors took him across the border because Kebbi lacks deep forests where such gangs can hide.
Why Bandits Thrive Along the Borders
He highlighted that vast forests stretch from Gwazero to parts of Kwara State—empty, uninhabited, and perfect for criminals to hide in.
Bandits, he said, are not fearless. Once faced with resistance, they often flee. With better strategy and stronger manpower, the military can overpower them.
On State Police: Will It Work?
Yombe believes state police can work—but only under good leadership.
He said the Nigerian Police Force already has competent officers, and the ongoing internal cleansing to remove bad elements is encouraging. The real challenge, he stressed, is manpower, not capability.
He also noted that some politicians have weaponized insecurity to discredit rivals, further complicating peace efforts.
Manpower and Equipment: The Real Limitations
According to the retired colonel, the core problem is insufficient personnel and inadequate equipment.
Bandits move quickly, know the terrain, and operate in large numbers. He cited an example: sending 15 soldiers against 300 bandits will never yield favourable outcomes.
He praised the President’s decision to authorize large-scale recruitment across all forces.
Call to Recall Able-Bodied Retired Soldiers
Yombe strongly advocated recalling capable retired soldiers to fill manpower gaps, noting this was done effectively during the civil war.
He said ex-servicemen are willing and eager to help, and recalling them would save training costs and time.
Strengthening Borders
Yombe stressed that closing and defending Nigeria’s borders—especially the Kebbi–Niger axis—is essential. He said most attacks originate from Niger Republic, with criminals crossing into Nigeria, wreaking havoc, and escaping back.
Blocking these routes, he said, would drastically reduce attacks.
On Open Grazing and Why Ranches Are the Solution
He explained that Fulani herders move constantly because their cattle need grass and water.
To stop open grazing:
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Government must establish ranches
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Provide water and grass
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Create environments that encourage settled herding
He added that cattle rearing is not exclusive to Fulani—many Nigerians engage in it.
Will Retired Soldiers Return If Called?
“Yes,” Yombe said confidently.
He explained that many ex-servicemen are eager to return, even if only to guard barracks or support operations indirectly. In his words, a Zuru man “does not look forward to retirement” once he joins the army.