The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) categorically rejects the recent allegations made by Sokoto cleric Mallam Bello Asada regarding Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
In a video uploaded by Zagazola, a renowned Counterinsurgency expert in the Lake Chad, West Africa region, Asada claimed that the minister provided several notorious bandit leaders, including Sububu, Ada Allero, and Bello Turji, with Hilux vehicles. However, NAN maintains that the claims are misleading, fabricated, and entirely untrue.
NAN in a statement issued by the chairman Salihu Suleiman expressed deep regrets about the cleric’s unfounded criticisms of the government’s unwavering efforts to apprehend bandit leader Bello Turji, asserting that the N20 million bounty placed on Turji is a legitimate and serious initiative to combat banditry in the region and should not be dismissed lightly.
Asada’s assertion that Minister Matawalle has full awareness of Turji’s whereabouts and possesses personal knowledge of him is not only unfounded but also libellous, slanderous and provocative, the group stated.
NAN said it firmly believes that such statements undermine the ongoing efforts of government officials and security agencies dedicated to restoring peace and order in affected areas.
The Northern Awareness Network said it stands with the government in its fight against banditry and urges all stakeholders to work collectively towards ensuring the safety and security of our communities.