BREAKING: Even If You Release Me, I Will Go Back – Ex Defence Spokesperson Reveals Discussions With Repentant Bandits
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Former Director of Defence Information Major General John Enenche (Rtd.), has called for tougher action against banditry in Nigeria.
The former Defence spokesperson said his past dealings with repentant fighters showed that some of them still plan to return to crime even after being released or taken through rehabilitation programmes.
Naija News reports that he spoke during an interview on Channels Television, where he shared his experience visiting a camp in Gombe State.
He explained that while interacting with surrendered fighters, some of them admitted that even if they are arrested and later released after reform efforts, they would still go back to join armed groups.
He said: “They have killed people all over the place and say they are repenting later. I was part of it. I even went to their camp in Gombe to interview them, and some would tell me that even if you take me to prison and bring me out, I am still going back and join them. What do you do? That means we take the bull by the horns.”
He said this reality raises questions about relying only on rehabilitation and peace efforts in handling violent groups.
According to him, while some individuals may genuinely change, others remain fully committed to criminal activities and continue to pose danger to communities.
He added that the ongoing insecurity in many parts of the country shows the need for a combined approach.
He maintained that security agencies must not hesitate to dismantle criminal networks that continue to threaten lives and property, stressing that this is necessary to restore safety in affected areas.
