We’ll flush out bandits, terrorists from Northwest – Matawalle
Amidst renewed onslaught by bandits in the North West, the Federal Government has again said it will get rid of the criminals and restore peace to the region.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, made the commitment in Sokoto on Wednesday, as the bandts continue to displace communities, abduct and kill villagers in the region.
The recent high profile abduction was that of the District Head of Kanya in Kebbi State, who was kidnapped on Sunday, and killed two days after.
President Bola Tinubu had in July shortly after the abduction and murder of Sarkin Gobir in Sokoto State, directed the minister alongside military chiefs to flush out bandits from the region.
On September13, the Nigerian Air Force said a notorious terrorist kingpin, Halilu Sububu alongside 38 others were killed by its special forces.
One of his audacious attacks was on a military base in Katsina in 2021 where many soldiers were killed.
Although based in Zamfara, Sububu terrorises communities in Sokoto, Niger, and Kaduna States.
Sububu’s death is coming a few hours after the Nigerian Army announced the death of another terrorist kingpin in Zamfara State, Halilu Buzu.
Since then, the bandits had returned with a vengeance, unleashing terror in Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna states.
Matawalle said he returned to the region to coordinate a new onslaught against the bandits.
“I am back in Sokoto state to coordinate this assignment of flushing all bandits and other criminals.
“We have recorded some level of achievements. Our troops killed notorious gang leaders and group members in different places. Relative peace has so far been restored specifically in Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina States.
“I am optimistic that our gallant troops will sustain the strides and continue to record success through the operation Fansan Yamma, which is ongoing in the fight against these criminals in the Northwest, ” Matawalle said.
He assured the people of the Northwest states on unwavering commitment towards the success of the operations.
“We will never leave you alone and be assured that we will win this war against bandits and those supporting them to unleash terror against the people.
“The federal government will continue to boost the morale of our soldiers and other security agencies to bring an end to this menace.
“We appreciate the sacrifices and gallantly fight against insecurity by our teeming military personnel and other security agencies,” the minister said.