Matawalle Orders Military Chiefs To Sokoto To Tackle North West Insecurity

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other top military officials to relocate to Sokoto State as part of intensified efforts to eliminate bandits, terrorists, and other criminals in the North West region.

Expressing deep concern over the criminal activities plaguing the region and other parts of the country, Matawalle emphasized that the military chiefs, while stationed in Sokoto, will personally oversee operations aimed at eradicating notorious criminals like Bello Turji and his gang.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Sokoto State serves as the headquarters for the General Officer Commanding, who oversees military operations in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.

Matawalle expressed the government’s serious concern about the ongoing threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West, noting that President Bola Tinubu is particularly displeased with the situation.

He also called on the residents of the region to stay vigilant and cooperate with security forces to combat the insecurity driven by these criminal activities.

The statement, issued on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, reads:

“The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and Bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi States and its environs.

“Consequent to this the Honourable Minister of State has directed 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.

“This strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of the government to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West, they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out.

“These criminal Bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water-logged area and late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water-logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.

“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, Dr Matawalle stated. 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.

“Matawalle hereby calls on the Armed forces of Nigeria to flush out the bandits and terrorists as his presence in the North West will ginger our 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.

The Minister assured that he would be on the ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading the security agents against the criminals.