Minister of state for defence Bello Muhammed Matawalle has expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states and their environs and directed the chief of defence staff and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto, headquarters of the GOC Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states with him as part of government’s efforts to rid the North West of the menace.
A statement by the director, information and public relations of the ministry, Henshaw Ogubike, said the move underscored the commitment of government to restore peace and security in the region.
It said while in the North West, they would supervise the operations and ensure that the notorious terrorist, Bello Turji and his gang are flushed out.
He said the bandits had been circulating video of a Nigerian military armoured vehicle that was stuck in a waterlogged 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 vehicle and celebrating it.
The incident happened in Kwashabawa, Zurmi local government Area of Zamfara state.
The statement described it as unacceptable as President Bola Tinubu had been giving great support to the armed forces.
“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. We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely.
“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases,” the statement quoted the minister as saying, and urging the armed forces to flush out the bandits and terrorists as his presence in the North West would ginger them.
Matawalle further assured the people of sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi and the entire North West region that the security forces would not leave any stone unturned until they flush out the bandits.
“I will be on ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform,” he said.