Minister of State for Defence Issues Directive to Chief of Defence Staff Amid Escalating Insecurity in North West Nigeria
Wisdom Tide
01/09/2024
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has voiced his deep concern over the ongoing violence perpetrated by terrorists and bandits across the North West region of Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States.
In response to the escalating security situation, Dr. Matawalle has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other senior military officials to relocate to Sokoto, the headquarters overseeing military operations in these states. This move is part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to eradicate the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the region.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, the minister's directive reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the North West.
While in the region, the CDS and other military leaders, alongside Dr. Matawalle, will oversee operations aimed at neutralizing notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his gang. This intensified military presence comes in the wake of a disturbing incident in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where bandits recorded and circulated videos of a Nigerian military armored vehicle stuck in a waterlogged area. The vehicle was abandoned by troops late at night to avoid an ambush, a situation that the bandits later exploited by filming themselves celebrating the event.
Dr. Matawalle condemned the incident as unacceptable, emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently provided robust support to the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Federal Government, he stated, is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West and is prepared to deploy all necessary resources to ensure these criminal elements are eradicated, and peace is restored to affected communities.
"The time is up for these bandits and terrorists," Dr. Matawalle declared, stressing that ongoing and sustained military operations will dismantle their strongholds. He urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to intensify their efforts to flush out these criminals and pledged his personal presence in the North West to boost the morale of the troops.
The Minister further assured the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi States, and the entire North West region that the security forces will not relent until the bandits are completely neutralized. He called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with the security forces, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of all Nigerians. The security and well-being of the people, he emphasized, remain the government’s top priority
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