The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and other military chiefs to relocate to Sokoto State in a bid to tackle the persistent issues of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North-West region.
This directive, announced by Henshaw Ogubike, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, forms part of an intensified government effort to restore peace and security in the region. The move reflects the government’s commitment to eradicating criminal activities, particularly in Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
According to the statement, the military leaders will oversee operations aimed at eliminating notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his gang. The government condemned the recent incidents, including a viral video showing a Nigerian military armored vehicle stuck in a waterlogged area in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara, which bandits used to mock the military.
“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North-West,” the statement read. “We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities.”
The government has assured residents of the North-West that it will do everything possible to eliminate the security threats and enable people to live freely and safely again.
