BOMBSHELL: Katsina vigilante fighter accuses NAF of complicity in fight against Boko Haram 

Sa’idu Gambo, a vigilante fighter from Katsina State, has expressed frustration fighting bandits in the state, while raising concerns about the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) effectiveness in combating banditry in northern communities.

 

In an interview with News Central TV, Gambo shared his experience and frustrations while defending his village against repeated bandit attacks.

 

Initially skeptical of the vigilante movement, Gambo admitted he once dismissed their efforts.

 

“Before I joined the vigilante group, I never used to respect vigilante officers and didn’t think highly of their work,” he said. His perspective shifted dramatically after a tragic event changed his life.

 

Gambo recounted how bandits stormed his village and abducted several people close to him.

 

“The bandits kidnapped my sister-in-law, my grandchild, and my friend’s wife,” he said, explaining that the trauma propelled him to take action by joining the local vigilante group.

 

His most pressing concern now is the lack of coordinated support from the military, particularly the Air Force.

 

According to Gambo, despite having intelligence on bandit locations, air strikes often miss the mark.

 

“We know where the bandits are, we need air support from the military but unfortunately when air force reinforcement comes, instead of attacking or dropping bomb on the bandits they find an empty land and waste their bomb,” he said.

 

Gambo’s remarks highlight ongoing frustrations from communities directly impacted by insecurity.

 

His story adds to growing calls for improved coordination between ground forces and air operations to make anti-bandit efforts more effective.