- The Federal Government has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other top military commanders to relocate to Sokoto.
- This relocation underscores the government's unwavering commitment to restoring peace in the troubled region.
- This bold initiative by the Federal Government signals a renewed determination to bring lasting peace to the North West and protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians.
In a decisive move to tackle the escalating threat of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North West region, the Federal Government has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other top military commanders to relocate to Sokoto.
This directive, issued by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, on August 31, marks a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
According to a statement released by Matawalle, the relocation is part of a broader strategy to launch a major military operation to eliminate the menace posed by bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states. The minister expressed deep concern over the activities of terrorist groups and bandits in these areas, stating that their continued existence is unacceptable.
“The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states and its environs.
“Consequently, the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto, the Headquarters of the GOC Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states, as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism,” the statement reads.
This relocation underscores the government's unwavering commitment to restoring peace in the troubled region. The Zamfara-born cabinet member highlighted that while in the North West, the military leadership would oversee operations and ensure that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his gang are neutralised.
The urgency of this move was further emphasised by a recent incident in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where bandits circulated a video of a Nigerian military armoured vehicle stuck in a waterlogged area.
The bandits later ambushed the area, celebrating their act. Matawalle condemned the incident and reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong support for the Nigerian Armed Forces, stressing that such occurrences are unacceptable.
“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West. We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” the minister added.
The minister assured the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi states, and the entire North West region that the security forces would not rest until the bandits are completely eradicated. He also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the military, emphasising that the security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority.
“I will be on the ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform. The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases,” Matawalle affirmed.
This bold initiative by the Federal Government signals a renewed determination to bring lasting peace to the North West and protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians.
Military deploys troops to protect farmers in the North, as banditry, terrorism rise
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that The Defence Headquarters has announced the deployment of troops to farms throughout the northern regions of the country, with a particular focus on the North West and North Central areas.
The military high command has indicated that the purpose of the deployment is to secure farmers from bandits, terrorists, and other forms of criminal activity.
