Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has sparked national debate after describing armed bandit groups in northern Nigeria as “gentlemen in the forest.” The comment was made during an interview on Arise News on November 28, 2025, in response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a nationwide security emergency and updated strategies to combat kidnappings, rural violence, and criminal networks.
Baba-Ahmed questioned the federal government’s classification of these armed groups, arguing that labeling them as “jihadists” is misleading. He emphasized that the actors operating in forests across the North have no ideological or religious foundation aligned with jihadist movements. According to him, their actions, including kidnappings, school invasions, extortion, and village raids, are driven by governance failures rather than extremist doctrine.
He also criticized the government’s plan to deploy forest guards, suggesting it is unrealistic to believe such a force could effectively confront the heavily armed groups. His description of the bandits as “gentlemen” immediately drew widespread reactions. Critics condemned the term, arguing that it downplays the brutality of the groups responsible for thousands of deaths and abductions. Some accused Baba-Ahmed of romanticizing criminality while communities continue to live in fear.
Supporters, however, defended his stance, saying his wording was intended to highlight what he views as government mischaracterization of the security crisis. They argued that mislabeling the actors contributes to ineffective policy responses and distracts from the structural issues enabling their rise.
Baba-Ahmed reiterated that Nigeria’s insecurity is the result of poor governance, weak institutions, and neglect of rural populations. He warned that misrepresenting the motives of violent groups could further hinder efforts to restore peace.
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