Former Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Muktar Ahmad Anka, has expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intensified efforts to combat armed banditry in Nigeria’s northwestern region. Anka voiced his approval in a press statement made available to journalists, where he commended the federal government’s military offensive against the bandits.
Anka, who served as Zamfara’s Deputy Governor from 2007 to 2011, praised President Tinubu’s decision to task the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, with spearheading the operation to root out bandit camps across the region. He also urged the current Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to refrain from interfering with these national security operations, emphasizing that the matter was being handled by the military under proper supervision.
“This is a critical time for Zamfara residents to remain focused on supporting the ongoing fight against armed bandits,” Anka said. “The federal government is doing its utmost to bring lasting peace to our state and region. As citizens, we must align ourselves with these efforts and commend the aggression being taken against the bandits.”
Anka called for unity among political leaders, emphasizing that the fight against banditry transcends political rivalries. “This is not a time for political conflicts, but rather a moment for leaders to heed the call of the people and collaborate with the federal government to ensure the elimination of banditry from our state and region,” he said.
He also praised the appointment of former Zamfara Governor Matawalle as the Minister of State for Defence, describing it as a positive development. He urged citizens to fully support Matawalle in his role, as his success in coordinating the military’s operations would reflect well on Zamfara and strengthen the state’s standing in the federal government.
Anka concluded by expressing confidence that the Tinubu administration’s efforts to eradicate banditry would restore hope, enable citizens to move freely, and promote food security by allowing farmers to return to their fields. He highlighted that these measures would create a more conducive environment for growth and development in the region.
