The Federal Government has directed top military officials, including the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Sokoto State.
The directive was announced in a statement issued by Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence.
The move comes in response to a troubling incident where terrorists, led by notorious bandit Bello Turji, burned military vehicles.
This incident, captured by the terrorists and shared on social media, has heightened concerns about the safety and effectiveness of ongoing security operations in the region.
Dr. Bello Matawalle, who is spearheading the relocation, emphasised the seriousness of the situation.
“We are relocating to the North-West to supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his bandit gang are flushed out,” Matawalle stated.
He described a recent incident in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area in Zamfara, where bandits celebrated the capture of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle stuck in a waterlogged area.
Matawalle criticised the terrorists’ actions and highlighted the government’s determination to address the problem.
“These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a stuck military vehicle, and it’s unacceptable. President Bola Tinubu has shown 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,” he said.
Matawalle stressed the importance of these operations in enabling residents to move freely and safely.
“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists. Increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases. My presence in the North-West will invigorate our armed forces,” he said.
In addition to his supervisory role, Matawalle assured the residents of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi states that security forces would intensify their efforts to eliminate banditry and restore peace.
“I will be on the ground in the North-West with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform,” he said.
The Defence Minister called on local communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of all Nigerians.
“The security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority,” Matawalle added.
The North-West region of Nigeria has been grappling with a severe security crisis due to the activities of bandits and terrorists.
Banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and other forms of violence have become rampant, causing widespread fear and disruption in affected communities.
