Matawalle vows to crush bandits in North-West

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has announced a decisive military campaign against the bandits wreaking havoc in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.

This was disclosed in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Public Information, Henshaw Ogugbike.

Matawalle expressed deep concern over the persistent insecurity in the North West region.

He revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff and other top military officers have been directed to join him in Sokoto, the strategic headquarters for the joint military operations.

The minister vowed that the Federal Government would deploy all necessary resources to flush out the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his criminal gang, who have circulated videos of a Nigerian military armoured vehicle stuck in a waterlogged area in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

“We cannot allow these bandits and terrorists to continue holding our people hostage.

“Their time is up. We will weaken their bases and restore peace to our communities,” Matawalle said.

The Defence Minister, who will be on the ground with the service chiefs, assured the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi that the military will leave no stone unturned in their mission to rid the region of these criminal elements.

He also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces, emphasising that the safety and well-being of Nigerians remain the government’s top priority.

“We are committed to protecting lives and property, and we will not rest until peace is restored,” Matawalle vowed.

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