A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ummaru, has issued a warning to the Nigerian Army and the government against relying solely on force in tackling insecurity, saying that killings only escalate the crisis.

Ummaru led this out over the weekend during peace talks between some bandit groups and community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The bandit leader accused locals of complicity, alleging that residents often report them to security operatives.

In a viral video shared via its Facebook page on Sunday, Observers Times, the bandit leader was heard addressing his colleagues in Hausa language, saying that killing the notorious gunmen only makes matters worse.

He said: “If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20… you kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages.

“Truth be told, the government doesn’t care about anyone, all it’s after is how to generate money. If the government cared about the people, all these things won’t be happening.

“You people (residents of Matazu LGA) are also part of the problem because you are fond of complaining to security operatives and giving them information.

“Even when they come to where we are, they don’t kill even a bird, but you’ll hear in the news that 10 bandits have been killed and they’ll be paid.

“If these security operatives won’t be told to leave us alone then I don’t think these peace talks have any importance.”

Watch the video below …