The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said, the allegations raised against the military and security forces in Zamfara state by Governor Dauda Lawal really needs to be analysed impartially and understood because since the beginning of June 2024 during operations, terrorists/bandits killed nine (9) soldiers and seven (7) other security personnel in Zamfara State.
Governor Lawal, said on Tuesday when he featured on a TV programme that the uninspiring attitude of the police and the military was responsible for the creation of the state-owned security outfit, ‘Community Protection Guards’.
Lamenting the ‘laidback attitude’ of the police and the military in combating the menace of banditry plaguing the state, the governor had said, “We, as governors, don’t have control over the military; we don’t have control over the police as well as the civil defence. In most cases, we get frustrated.”
He said, “We do, we know who they are, we know where they live, it is just that there is no political will,” Governor Lawal said while speaking on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily on Tuesday.
Reacting to this allegation by the Zamfara State governor, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba the military will not join issues with the Governor, rather we choose the part of cooperation over conflict with the state Governor and look forward to constructively engage with him on these matters.
General Buba noted that troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI deployed to Zamfara State have lost 9 personnel so far in the month of June 2024. "These killed in action personnel are a painful testament of our tireless efforts, commitment and sacrifice to restoring peace and security in the state."
He said, nevertheless, the allegations against the military and security forces operating in the state really needs to be analysed impartially and understood. The situation underscores the fact that, winning the war without the support of the people of the state is close to impossible.
"Interestingly, despite the state being described as the epicentre of kidnapping. The state has no internal security operation outfit to coordinate activities of security agencies operating in the state, as is found in other states. This situation leaves much to be desired.
“Overall, the military will continue to work tirelessly to restore safety and security across our nation. Certainly, there is still a lot of fighting to do in order to guarantee the safety of our homeland.
“Citizens must clearly understand the reason we are fighting this war. They must understand that the terrorists will not stop, until they are stopped.
“Additionally, the lifeline of the terrorist groups is the people. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible.
“While troops probably don’t have all the answers. Citizens should rest assured that the military is working relentlessly to guarantee the safety and security of every citizen from acts of terror.
General Buba further showed a video clip where the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Shehu, disclosed that a local government chairman, a district head, and a traditional ruler were arrested for their involvement in banditry.
The Zamfara CP pointed out that the district head was arrested for providing hard drugs for terrorists and bandits to perpetrate their evil. The video below: