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...We can't tolerate this any more
Expressing sadness over the activities of terrorists and Bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi States and its environs, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle 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.
Before Matawalle’s directive, some residents of the affected states had taken their destiny into their own hands by mobilising against bandits and resorting to self-help.
While the residents of Matusgi in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State had overpowered and killed about 37 bandits, thousands of residents of Gobir in Sokoto State had also stormed the forest in large numbers to rescue about 150 kidnapped compatriots and also recover the remains of the district head of Gobir, Isa Mohammad Bawa, who was abducted and killed by bandits.
Sokoto is the headquarters of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army which has Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states as its Area of Responsibility (AOR).
In a statement issued on Saturday night by the Director of Information and Public Relations in his ministry, Henshaw Ogubike, the minister stated that this strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of the government to restoring peace and security in the region.
According to Matawalle, the service Chiefs while in the North West will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out.
He noted that 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."he said
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.
"I will be on ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform."
The 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.