Amid escalating terrorist and bandit attacks in the North West, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi States, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has issued a directive for the military to relocate its command structure to the region.
This move comes as part of the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to address the worsening security situation in the area.
The directive follows recent reports of bandits invading villages in Sokoto and Zamfara states, where they have been abducting scores of people and killing those who fail to pay ransom.
In a troubling development, a viral video surfaced showing bandits seizing a Nigerian Army Mine-Resistant Armored Personnel Carrier (MRAP).
The vehicle was left behind after military officers were ordered to withdraw to avoid an ambush in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Media and Public Relations for the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle expressed deep concern over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States.
He condemned the situation where criminal elements circulated videos of Nigerian military vehicles in their possession, calling it “unacceptable,” especially given the extensive support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“This strategic move underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West, they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his bandit gang are eliminated,” the statement reads.
Matawalle directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military leaders to relocate to Sokoto, the headquarters of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) for Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states. The minister stressed that the relocation is crucial for intensifying operations aimed at eliminating banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North West.
The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West, Matawalle assured, vowing that all necessary resources would be deployed to eradicate these criminal elements and restore peace to the affected communities.
“We must act decisively against these terrorists to allow our people to live freely. The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases,” Matawalle stated.
The minister called on the Armed Forces of Nigeria to intensify efforts to flush out the bandits and terrorists, assuring the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, as well as the entire North West region, that security forces would leave no stone unturned until peace is restored.
“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,” Matawalle said.
He also urged the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces. The minister 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.
