Hope has returned – Northern youths react to military’s renewed fight against banditry in North-West

The Northern Youth Forum, NYF, has expressed hopes that the activities of bloodthirsty bandits in the North-West region may soon come to an end.

The group is reacting to successes recently recorded by the Nigerian military after the relocation of the minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle, and the military chiefs to Sokoto State.

DAILY POST reports that President Bola Tinubu had on September 1, directed the relocation of the minister and the service chiefs to the region to tackle the growing security crisis particularly banditry.

On September 4, the minister and the service chiefs arrived Sokoto with a vow to eliminate all criminal elements from the region.

On Thursday night, the troops eliminated a notorious bandit commander, Kachallah Buzu and several of his fighters in Zamfara State.

According to reports, the operation, which took place in Mayanchi village, followed an ambush laid by the military after intelligence reports on the terrorists’ movements.

There are reports that the popular bandit leader, Turji Bello has also fled the region following the heavy presence of the military.

Reacting, NYF in a statement issued on Sunday by its President, Alhaji Bagudu Mohammed Kudu said hope has finally returned to the Northwest.

“We have always believed in the capabilities of our Armed Forces, and their bravery and sacrifice will never be in doubt. However, what was lacking was the political will to tackle the bandits head-on.

“President Tinubu’s decision to send Matawalle and service chiefs to the theatre of operation has filled this gap, and the results are evident for all to see.

“The Minister’s presence has energized the troops, and his strategic leadership has brought a new sense of purpose to the operation.

“As the bandits, led by the notorious Turji Bello, flee in disarray, we cannot help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude towards the entire security apparatus”, the statement added.