Aside ransom, here’s how bandits raise money

The Kaduna State Government has exposed other sources of revenue of bandits terrorising its residents.

The major revenue source of the outlaws, according to the government, is ransom collected from relatives of hostages.

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This was contained in the third quarter security report submitted to the state government by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Trust.

The report listed other sources of revenue to include sales of rustled animals, profits from gun running/arms trade and leasing of weapons to other criminal groups.

The report reads in part: “Some gangs rent out their weapons to groups who lack this capacity for a share of proceeds from operations; proceeds from joint operations; mainly kidnapping, with other criminal groups.”

Other sources are “protection levies” imposed on farming communities and individuals.

The report also noted recruitment of informants who manage businesses on behalf of the bandits and remit profits to them.

It also disclosed how the bandits expend the money made through their activities to include purchase of more arms, ammunition and food.

Others include logistics and medical aid, buying of psychotropic substances (drugs), payment of informants/accomplices, establishment of businesses managed by informants and maintenance of marabouts who provide “spiritual support for success” in their operations.