*By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto*
“We can’t tolerate this anymore,” declared the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, expressing his deep concern over the ongoing activities of terrorists and bandits plaguing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States.
In response to the escalating insecurity in the region, Dr. Matawalle has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other top military chiefs to move to Sokoto, the headquarters of the GOC overseeing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States. This strategic deployment underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North West.
The Minister, along with the CDS and other military leaders, will supervise operations on the ground, with a particular focus on dismantling the notorious gang led by Bello Turji. Recently, this criminal group circulated videos showing a Nigerian military armored vehicle stuck in a waterlogged area in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The bandits later celebrated the incident, which occurred after the officers withdrew late at night to avoid an ambush.
In a statement released by the Defence Headquarters, Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, mnipir, emphasized that this situation is unacceptable, especially given the significant support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has provided to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West. “We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” stated Dr. Matawalle. “We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely.”
Dr. Matawalle’s presence in the North West, alongside the CDS and other military chiefs, aims to boost the morale of the armed forces and ensure the success of the ongoing operations. He further assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and the entire North West region that the security forces will leave no stone unturned in their mission to eliminate the bandits.
“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,” Dr. Matawalle affirmed.
In addition, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence called on the residents of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces. He reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, emphasizing that the security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority.
