The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has ordered the Chief of Defence Staff and other military heads to relocate to Sokoto State as part of efforts targeted at eliminating bandits, terrorists and other criminals in the North West.
The Minister, who expressed sadness over the activities of the criminals in the region and other parts of the country, said while in Sokoto, the military chiefs would specifically supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his gang are flushed out.
OsunDailyNG reports that Sokoto State is the headquarters of the General Officer Commanding, which oversees Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
Matawalle said the government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly, and President Bola Tinubu is not happy with the situation.
He also urged the people of the region to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces in ridding the states of insecurity fuelled by the activities of the bandits.
The statement on Saturday, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike Minor, reads: “The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and Bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi States and its environs.
“Consequent to this the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto which is the Headquarters of the GOC Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states with him as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
“This strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of the government to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West, they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out.
“These criminal Bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water-logged area and late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water-logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it. This incident happened in Kwashabawa, Zurmi local government Area of Zamfara state. This is not acceptable as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly. We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities, Dr Matawalle stated. We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely.
“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases.
“Matawalle hereby calls on the Armed forces of Nigeria to flush out the bandits and terrorists as his presence in the North West will ginger our armed forces.
“Matawalle further assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces will not leave any stone unturned until they flush out the bandits.
The Minister assured that he would be on the ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading the security agents against the criminals.
“In addition, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence also called on the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Security forces and he reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, emphasizing that the security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority.”
