THIS DAWN — The Northern Civic Governance Coalition (NCGC) has issued a strong call for an immediate investigation into alleged connections between former Zamfara Central Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa and armed bandit groups operating in the North-West.
The coalition’s demand, circulated in a public statement, has intensified scrutiny on the controversial politician amid rising insecurity in Zamfara State.
Senator Marafa had recently claimed knowledge of bandit leaders’ identities, movements, and hideouts.
According to the coalition’s secretary, Khalid Bello Jega, this has raised troubling questions about possible collaboration.
“No responsible leader should speak with such certainty about criminal networks unless there are deeper ties,” the coalition argued.
Reasons for concerns
The NCGC highlighted a pattern of concerns dating back to Marafa’s influence during a previous Zamfara administration.
They alleged that he pressured the government to appoint his brother as Emir of “Yan Dota,” a move followed by the conferring of a traditional title on a notorious bandit commander.
Authorities later suspended both the emir and the title, citing fears of legitimizing criminal actors.
More recent incidents have also fueled suspicion.
A young man employed at Marafa’s restaurant near the Zamfara Government House was arrested for allegedly serving as an informant to bandits and participating in a kidnapping.
In another case, a captured bandit in Sokoto reportedly implicated Marafa in criminal activities.
The coalition insisted that these allegations represent “a direct threat to public safety and national security.”
Call to action for DIA, IGP
It, therefore, formally petitioned the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Inspector‑General of Police (IGP) to open a thorough investigation.
With Zamfara and much of the North-West plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and rural violence, the NCGC’s demand underscores growing frustration with perceived political complicity.
The group emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential.
It warned that failure to act could deepen public mistrust in governance.
It also urged authorities to initiate swift action to restore confidence in state institutions.
“The people of Zamfara deserve protection, not politics that embolden insecurity,” the coalition concluded.
