The Ministers of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has vowed to mobilize Service Chiefs to lead the onslaught against banditry in the North-Eastern part of the country, following the renewed barbaric attacks lately in Sokoto.

The Honourable Minister of State made the pledge to the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto which is the Headquarters of the GOC sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states with him as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in the region.

The Ministers said he’ll supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out. He said, “these criminal Bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged area, late in the night that the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits. Later in the deep of the night, the bandits went to the water logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it as a capture.

“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”, he said.

He further called on the Armed forces of Nigeria to flush out the bandits and terrorists as his presence in the North West will motivate the armed forces.

Matawalle further assured the people of sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara , 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 the ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform”.

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 and he reiterated 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.