The Federal Government has issued a directive mandating the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, along with other senior military officials, to relocate to Sokoto State as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat the escalating issues of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism plaguing the North-West region. This significant decision was conveyed through an official statement released by Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence. The government’s order is a critical component of a broader, intensified effort aimed at eradicating these security threats that have severely impacted the region.
The statement further emphasized the gravity with which the federal government views the ongoing violence and criminal activities perpetrated by terrorists and bandits in Sokoto and neighboring states. The government expressed profound concern and sadness over the relentless attacks, abductions, and other forms of violence that have disrupted the lives of countless citizens in the North-West. It was made clear that the decision to deploy Dr. Matawalle and other top military officials to the region underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, stability, and security for the people who have been enduring these hardships.
During his deployment in the North-West, Dr. Matawalle, together with the military chiefs, will take direct command of operations, ensuring that they are carried out effectively and with precision. A key objective of their mission will be to target and dismantle the criminal networks led by notorious figures such as Bello Turji, who has been identified as a major orchestrator of bandit activities in the region. Matawalle highlighted that their presence would not merely be symbolic but operationally decisive, as they intend to oversee and participate in the execution of strategies designed to flush out these criminal elements from their strongholds.
Moreover, Dr. Matawalle extended a message of reassurance to the residents of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, as well as the entire North-West region. He affirmed that the security forces would employ all necessary measures and resources to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of peace. The minister stressed that the federal government and its security agencies are fully committed to protecting the lives and properties of citizens, and will persist in their mission until the bandits and terrorists are thoroughly neutralized, allowing for the restoration of normalcy in the affected communities.
This directive is seen as a crucial step in a broader, long-term plan by the government to not only address the immediate threats but also to implement lasting solutions that will prevent the resurgence of such menaces in the future. By taking a hands-on approach, the government aims to send a strong message to those who threaten the peace and security of the region that their actions will not be tolerated, and that they will be met with the full force of the nation’s military and law enforcement agencies.
