The Federal Government, under the leadership of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has initiated a major military campaign aimed at eradicating the banditry that has plagued Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
In a statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Public Information, Henshaw Ogugbike, Matawalle expressed deep concern over the ongoing insecurity in the North West region. He revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff and other senior military officers have been directed to join him in Sokoto, which will serve as the command center for the joint military operations.
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to deploying all necessary resources to combat the bandits, particularly targeting the notorious leader Bello Turji and his gang. This announcement comes in response to recent provocations, including the circulation of videos showing a Nigerian military armoured vehicle stuck in a waterlogged area in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The bandits had celebrated the incident as a victory.
“We cannot allow these bandits and terrorists to continue holding our people hostage,” Matawalle declared. “Their time is up. We will weaken their bases and restore peace to our communities.”
This decisive action reflects the Federal Government’s determination to address the security crisis in the region and restore order. The campaign aims to dismantle the criminal networks operating in these states and ensure the safety and security of the local populations.
