The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa and other Service Chiefs to relocate to Sokoto State over persistent banditry attacks in the state and the northeast region.
They are also directed to supervise operations from Sokoto State to eliminate the threats of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in northwest Nigeria.
The directive came due to the resurgence of banditry and terrorism activities in Sokoto State in recent times, which had led to the death of a traditional ruler.
Sokoto is the headquarters of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army that oversees Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
A statement from the Minister’s office on Sunday, September 1, said the relocation was “part of the Federal Government’s focused initiative to eliminate the threats of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North West region,”
According to the statement, the defence chiefs would launch “a significant operation” in Sokoto State aimed at eliminating bandits in the northwest.
The statement reads: “The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and Bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States and its environs.
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“Consequent to this the Minister of State 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.
“This strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of the government to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West, they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out.”
The statement demised recent bandits’ claims that they had captured military equipment in Kwashabawa, Zurmi local government area of Zamfara State.
It stated: “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.”
It said the federal government had deep concerns about persistent terrorism threats and was ready to “deploy all necessary assets to ensure that criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities.”
The statement said Matawalle had shown readiness to be on the ground with the security chiefs.
“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,” the statement said.