Insecurity: Matawalle Commits To Leading Successful Northwest Operation Against Bandits

Insecurity: Matawalle Commits To Leading Successful Northwest Operation Against Bandits

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has stated that the federal government is resolute in eradicating banditry, terrorism, and other crimes in the northern region.

He pledged to lead the security forces in this mission, emphasizing that no effort would be spared in removing bandits from the area.

Matawalle assured residents of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, as well as the broader Northwest region, of the government’s commitment to ensuring their safety.

“I will be on the ground with other security chiefs for the operations”, he vowed.

Besides, Sokoto state governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto noted the strategic commitment of President Tinubu stressing that the designed operations would surely tackle the menace with

The governor highlighted that Security was at the front burner of his government’s 9-point smart agenda hence, the establishment of a Community Guard Corps (CGC) equipped with requirements to complement FG efforts on security.

However, the Minister stressed that the safety of lives and property of citizens remains cardinal and the primary mandate of government.

Matawalle who spoke in Sokoto on Tuesday, sought the support and cooperation of the state government and citizens in driving the presidential directive to achieve success in the North-west states.

The Minister led others including Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa on a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmad Aliyu.

He said: “We are in Sokoto on President Bola Tinubu’s directives that I along with the military chiefs to relocate to Sokoto State to rid the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

”The directive is part of an intensified effort to end all forms of criminalities in recognition of the rising cases bedevilling the areas.”

He disclosed that modalities were already mapped out to ensure the successful mission and thus expressed determination to flush out bandits gangs as he solicited people’s support to military operations with credible intelligence on bandits who he noted were part of their communities.

”Be vigilant against suspicious movements, those living flamboyant lifestyles without genuine source of income and unnecessary spending, do inform community leaders or nearest authority”, he urged stressing that “we should all be community watchers as those bandits, kidnappers and others were living around us and perpetrating their activities within us.”

According to him, their activities were subjecting people to hardships explaining that the strategic move by the government has underscored its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the northern region while referring that two Defense Ministers, National Security Advisers, CDS and the Minister of Police affairs were all from north hence, Tinubu’s uncompromised determination to end the menace happening in region.

“I will be on the ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform.

“I also call on residents of these states to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces as the Federal Government has resolved to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians.

Also, the minister held a closed-door meeting with Nigerian Army Officers at 8 Division Headquarters, briefings at 26 battalions of Nigeria Army Sokoto to where the delivered motivational address and government commitment.

Matawalle also seized the space to visit wounded soldiers receiving treatment at the 8 Division Army hospital in Giginya barracks, Sokoto.