Service Chiefs Get Marching Orders to End Terrorism and Banditry in Northwest
By Lawrence Bilal Audu
The Nigerian government has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to relocate to Sokoto, the headquarters of the 8th Division Area of Responsibility comprising Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases,” declared Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, as he announced the deployment.
Dr. Matawalle expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorising the region, emphasising the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security. “This strategic move underscores the commitment of the government to restoring peace and security in the region,” he said.
While in the North West, the military chiefs will supervise operations aimed at flushing out Bello Turji and his bandit gang. Dr. Matawalle condemned the recent incident where bandits circulated videos of a Nigerian military armoured vehicle stuck in a waterlogged area, calling it “unacceptable.”
The Federal Government has assured that it is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West and is ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out. “The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West, particularly. We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” Dr. Matawalle stated.
Dr. Matawalle will be on the ground in the Northwest with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading the operation. “I will be on the ground in the Northwest with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform,” he said. He called on the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces, reiterating the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians. “The security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority.”
