The Federal Government has announced plans to establish three military formations in Sokoto State to bolster ongoing efforts in fighting banditry and other forms of criminal activities.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, disclosed this on Thursday while leading a team of military personnel to reopen the Marnona-Gundumi-Isa road, which had been closed for eight years due to security concerns.
During his visit, Matawalle interacted with community members in the Isa, Sabon Birni, and Goronyo local government areas. The reopening of the long-abandoned road is seen as a significant achievement in the government’s intensified military operations in the North-West.
Speaking on the successes of these operations, Matawalle said this was his second visit to Sokoto to spearhead the renewed offensive against bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements across the North-West region.
“As directed by President Bola Tinubu, I am back in Sokoto State to coordinate this assignment of eliminating bandits and other criminals. Our troops have already recorded successes, killing notorious gang leaders and their members in different locations. Relative peace has been restored in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states,” Matawalle said.
He expressed confidence that the military would sustain these gains, emphasizing the importance of continued operations to secure lasting peace in the region. He also highlighted the need for strong collaboration between the federal government and local authorities to achieve the desired results in the fight against banditry.
“We must work together to bring these bandits down, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic methods to eliminate them entirely. We call on the support of our governors, religious, political, and community leaders to ensure the success of this mission,” he added.
During his visit to some deserted settlements, the Minister urged residents to return to their homes, assuring them of the government’s commitment to safeguarding their lives and properties.
He also issued a stern warning to residents against acting as informants for bandits, describing such actions as tantamount to aiding banditry. Matawalle stressed that anyone caught assisting the criminals would face severe consequences.
