Former military governor of the old Kano State, retired Colonel Sani Bello, has urged the Federal Government to integrate police personnel into military operations and recall retired soldiers to strengthen the fight against banditry and insurgency across Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview with Premier Radio Kano over the weekend, Bello said security agencies already know the locations of notorious bandit leaders and have the intelligence and resources needed to neutralise them if there is sufficient political will.

“Wherever these bandits are hiding, the government knows their locations. Security personnel know exactly where they are and how to reach them,” he said, arguing that criminals who continue to use mobile phones and social media can be traced.

Bello dismissed claims that Nigeria lacks the equipment to combat armed groups, saying the military possesses surveillance drones, artillery and aircraft that far exceed the capabilities of bandits.

Despite his criticism, the retired army officer commended troops on the front lines, describing them as overstretched due to the widespread nature of insecurity across the country.

He called for a significant increase in troop strength, proposing that police officers be given combat training and deployed alongside the military. According to him, their existing discipline would make the transition easier.

Drawing from his experience during the Nigerian Civil War, Bello recalled that the army rapidly expanded its ranks by recruiting personnel from the former Native Authority Police and recalling retired servicemen. He suggested adopting a similar approach by temporarily re-enlisting retired military personnel to support ongoing operations.

Bello also expressed concern over what he described as a shortage of personnel in the armed forces, claiming many battalions are operating well below their required strength. He urged the government to treat insecurity as a national emergency and take decisive action before the situation worsens.