Former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has advised the Federal Government to reject any calls for surrender from bandits terrorising different parts of the country, insisting that the criminals must be completely neutralised before any form of engagement is considered.

Babangida made his position known via a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he called for a decisive and uncompromising military response against armed groups responsible for widespread insecurity nationwide.

According to the former leader, security agencies should focus on eliminating bandits entirely, warning that accepting surrender prematurely could weaken ongoing efforts to restore peace and security.

“While the bandits are pleading for surrender, we must not accept their plea until every one of them is neutralised and eliminated,” Babangida wrote.

He further stated that once the bandits have been dealt with, individuals he described as negotiators and sympathisers should be subjected to thorough investigation. He specifically mentioned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and others, calling on authorities to invite them for questioning.

Babangida’s comments have sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms, with Nigerians expressing mixed opinions over his hardline stance.

Some users supported his position. A social media commentator identified as Dr. Jay agreed with Babangida, arguing that individuals perceived as sympathisers should already be under the scrutiny of security agencies.

Others, however, expressed caution. Another user, Phyno, noted that public opinion in Nigeria often shifts rapidly, warning against sudden reversals in support for controversial viewpoints.

Also reacting, Ikechukwu described Babangida’s remarks as timely, stressing that strict implementation of such an approach could help achieve lasting security across the country.

The former Head of State’s intervention comes amid renewed national debate over the best strategies for tackling banditry, insurgency, and the persistent insecurity affecting several regions of Nigeria.