Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Islamic cleric Sheik Ahmad Gumi have called for special courts to prosecute bandits and kidnappers.

They made the call in a communique issued after a closed-door meeting in Abeokuta on Sunday.

They also called on the local, state, and federal governments to work together to return out-of-school children to classes, adding that education remains key to tackling insecurity.

The duo added that the special courts would avoid the bureaucracy of dealing promptly with cases of banditry, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of weapons.

Mr Obasanjo and Mr Gumi added that “we must not advertently or inadvertently, in word, action or inaction encourage or support criminality.”

The duo further noted, “Every community must be encouraged and empowered to stand firm and strong against criminals.

“There should be protection and reward covertly for whistle-blowers against criminals living in the community.”

They urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the government in finding solutions to insecurity and desist from the blame game, “ethnicising,” and “regionalising” crimes.

They advised President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to be proactive, secure necessary and updated intelligence to deal with organised crimes, and have a common policy for the nation.

“We concluded that to keep Nigeria safe and secure for all Nigerians and others living in Nigeria is a task that all well-meaning Nigerians must engage in separately and collectively,” they added.

(NAN)