- Speaks on viral video of bandits celebrating alleged seizure of two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) from Nigerian Soldiers
Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States and their environs, declaring that “we cant tolerate this anymore.”
Towards the execution of this mandate, the Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Service Chiefs have been directed to move to Sokoto, Headquarters of 8th Division of Nigerian Army to ensure that 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.”
According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, the Minister of State for Defence stated that “this strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out.
“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 of Zamfara State.
“This is not acceptable as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly.
“We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities. We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely. The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases.”
The statement noted that Matawalle “hereby calls on the Armed Forces of Nigeria to flush out the bandits and terrorists,” as his presence in the North West “will ginger our armed forces.”
Matawalle further assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi States and the entire North West region that “the security forces will not leave any stone unturned until they flush out the bandits. I will be on ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform.”
The statement added that “in addition, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence also called on the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces,” reiterating “the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, emphasizing that the security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority.”