The Federal Government has issued a directive for the relocation of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, along with other military chiefs, to the Sokoto axis due to security challenges.
This has has sparked widespread jubilation among residents.
In separate interviews conducted by newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday, a cross-section of residents expressed their appreciation to the Federal Government for the move, noting that it demonstrates the government’s commitment and readiness to find a lasting solution to the menace.
Malam Garba Mailambu, a trader, said the directive reflects the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to rid the North West of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Mailambu added that such a directive was expected during the last regime, emphasizing that the deployment of necessary military assets and manpower would ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to the communities.
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He urged the personnel to live up to expectations and called on residents, especially those living in affected settlements, to cooperate with the personnel and support the initiative.
Dr. Habibu Ahmed Mada, an academician at Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, described the order given by Minister Matawalle as a relief and a great service to humanity during this escalation of insecurity in some states in the North West.
“The man is a good strategist who understands the trends and is aware of their tactics, especially in my state.
He was very successful in the fight against insurgents during his tenure in our state and region many times before becoming a minister. So he needs independent authority to crush them,” Mada said.
Mr. Shehu Haruna, another resident, commended the Federal Government’s efforts and advised Minister Bello Matawalle, being an indigene of the North West, to intensify supervision operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his bandit gang are flushed out.
Haruna added that there is an 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 shows deep concern about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West states.
Another resident, Mr. Ibrahim Dandare, expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in the state and its environs.
Dandare explained that the current strategic move indicates the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
Even some opposition parties are in agreement with these new directives.
In their reactions on Sunday, the Coalition for Opposition Parties in Katsina expressed their support and prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for their foresight in sending the hierarchy of the military, including the army and air force, to be stationed in the heart of this insecure area for effective coordination and operations against the challenges plaguing the North.
It was reported that a statement issued by Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, confirmed that the Minister of State, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and others are moving to Sokoto.
Ogubike stated that the directive aims to rid 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 waterlogged 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 waterlogged area, recorded a video of the armoured vehicle that was stuck, and celebrated 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 said.
