FG will drive out bandits, terrorists and other criminal gangs from North West Matawalle

The federal government will get rid of bandits, terrorists and other criminal gangs terrorizing the northwest.

The state’s defense minister, Dr. Bello Matawalle, made this known while speaking to journalists in Sokoto on Wednesday.

Matawalle said he was in Sokoto to lead another attack against bandits, terrorists and other criminals in the North West states.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the initiative was part of President Bola Tinubu’s directives that the minister along with military chiefs should move to Sokoto and ensure that all perpetrators terrorizing the areas are eliminated.

“As directed by Mr. President, I am back in Sokoto State to coordinate this mission to drive out all bandits and other criminals.

“We have had a certain level of success. Our troops killed notorious gang leaders and group members at various locations. Relative peace has so far been restored, particularly in the states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina.

“I am optimistic that our brave troops will continue to make progress and achieve success through Operation Fansan Yamma, which is ongoing in the fight against these criminals in the North West,” Matawalle said.

He assured the people of the Northwest States of their unwavering commitment to ensure that operations achieve all necessary successes in the fight against all forms of security challenges plaguing the region.

“We will never leave you alone and can be sure that we will win this war against bandits and those who support them to unleash terror against the people.”

“The federal government will continue to boost the morale of our soldiers and other security agencies to put an end to this threat.”

“We appreciate the sacrifices and fight bravely against the insecurity of our numerous military personnel and other security agencies,” the minister said.

Matawalle commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State for supporting the success of the operations and called on other governors, political leaders, clerics and stakeholders to support the President’s initiatives.

He underlined the importance of cooperation with the federal government in the fight to achieve the desired goals.

“We must work together to hunt down these bandits and completely destroy them using kinetic and non-kinetic methods.”

“We will never be intimidated, rest or give criminals room to breathe.” We must prevent them from moving freely, no matter how much they extort or propagandize our operations and cause mischief.

“We will never be distracted from protecting the lives and property of our people,” he added.

He warned the media and other platforms against propagating banditry, terrorism and kidnapping activities, which he said supported their evils.

The minister said he would also visit Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi.

“We call for the support of our governors and religious, political and community leaders to achieve desired success in the task ahead,” he said.

NAN reports that President Tinubu on August 31 ordered Matawalle and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto State to rid the North West region of the activities of bandits, kidnappers and terrorists.
The federal government said the relocation was part of an intensified effort to rid the region of the threat of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

NAN reports that the Nigerian Air Force on September 13 said a notorious terrorist boss, Halilu Sububu, was killed along with 38 others by its special forces.

One of his brazen attacks occurred at a military base in Katsina in 2021, killing many soldiers.

Although based in Zamfara, Sububu terrorizes communities in Sokoto, Niger and Kaduna states.

Sububu’s death comes just hours after the Nigerian Army announced the death of another terrorist boss in Zamfara State, Halilu Buzu.