A group, the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development have commended the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his strategic efforts to combat banditry in Sokoto state.
The Executive Director, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, stated this in a press statement made available to to journalists in Abuja.
He said, โOver the past three weeks, the military campaign against banditry in Nigeriaโs North West has seen significant success, following President Bola Tinubuโs directive for key military leaders, including Dr. Matawalle, to intensify operations in the region.
โRecent military operations have neutralized numerous notorious armed bandits across Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna states, marking one of the most coordinated offensives in the countryโs history.
โDr. Matawalle, praised for his strategic acumen, visited several Local Government Areas, including Sabon Birnin and Goronyo, areas notorious for bandit activity and arms smuggling.
โThe militaryโs efforts have reportedly thrown key bandit leaders, such as Bello Turji, into disarray, forcing many to surrender or face severe consequences.
โDr. Matawalleโs commitment to eradicating these criminal elements is clear, with a focus on addressing issues like kidnapping, extortion, and violence that have plagued local communities for over 15 years.
โIn light of these successes, calls have emerged for unity and support for military personnel, rather than distractions from political adversaries.โ
The emphasized that those undermining the militaryโs efforts โwhether politicians, clerics, or traditional rulers are inadvertently aiding the bandits.