Banditry: Sokoto Residents Excited As Defence Minister, Others Are Dispatched To Sokoto

Residents of Sokoto State have commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the security and safety of lives and properties in the state by ordering an intensive security operation to flush out armed groups operating within the state.

Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Sunday, a cross-section of residents appreciated the Federal Government over the move, which had indicated its commitment and readiness to find a lasting solution to the menace of insecurity in the State.

A trader, Malam Garba Mailambu, said the directive has manifested the Federal Government’s intensified effort to rid the North-West of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

Mailambu said such directive was expected during the last regime, stressing that deployment of necessary military assets and manpower would ensure that the criminal elements were flushed out and peace was restored to the communities.

He urged the security personnel to live up to the expectations as well as urged residents, especially those living in the affected areas to cooperate with security personnel and support them.

Also, Dr Habibu Ahmed Mada, an academician with Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, described the order given by Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as a relief and great service to humanity.

“The man is a good strategist who understand the trends, aware of their tactics, especially in my state. He was very much successful in the fight against insurgents during his tenure in our state before becoming a Minister,” said Mada.

Mr Shehu Haruna, another resident commended the Federal Government’s efforts and advised Minister Matawalle being an indigene of the NorthWest, to intensify supervision operations and ensure that bandits’ leader Bello Turji and his gang were flushed out.

Haruna added that there was the urgent need to move against the terrorists to enable people to return to their farms and move freely.

He stressed that the Federal Government’s directive has shown deep concern about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North-West states.

Another resident, Ibrahim Dandare, expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in the North-West states and its environs.

Dandare explained that the present strategic move has indicated unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the region.

Even some opposition parties were in agreement with the new directive to security chiefs. In their reactions on Sunday, Coalition for Opposition Parties in Katsina State has expressed its support and prayers to President Tinubu, particularly the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over their foresight of sending the military hireachy to the North-West.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, said Minister of State, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) and others were moving to Sokoto State.

Ogubike said the directive was aimed at ridding the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

“These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged 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 Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.

“This incident happened in kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area in Zamfara.

“This is not acceptable as President Bola Tinubu has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Ogubike stated.