President Bola Tinubu has directed Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, along with military leaders, to move to Sokoto State. This move is part of a broader initiative to eliminate the pervasive terrorism affecting the state and the entire north-west region. An official announcement highlighted that the north-west is considered Nigeria’s most terrorized area, with four of its seven states ranking among the top five for the highest number of kidnapping incidents reported between July 2023 and June 2024.
According to a report by SBM Intelligence, a market intelligence and security analysis firm, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna reported the highest numbers of kidnapping incidents, with Sokoto placing fifth, just behind Abuja in fourth. The report highlights a troubling trend of frequent attacks and mass abductions in the north-western states. The situation has worsened significantly, with many local communities now effectively under the control of armed terrorists who impose taxes on residents.
In a statement released on Sunday, Henshaw Ogubike, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, announced that the federal government has instructed Mr. Matawalle and the military chiefs to relocate to Sokoto State.
According to Mr. Ogubike, this directive is part of a heightened initiative to eliminate the threats of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North-west, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain, as former President Muhammadu Buhari had previously ordered his military chiefs to relocate to Borno during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency. While the military did achieve some successes on the battlefield, the Boko Haram insurgency continues, and the group has expanded its activities into other northern states, including Niger and Kogi.
In his statement, Mr. Ogubike conveyed the federal government’s deep concern regarding the activities of terrorists and bandits in the North-western states. He emphasized that this strategic decision reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to restoring peace and security in the region. The spokesperson also quoted Mr. Matawalle, who indicated that while in the North-west, they would oversee military operations and work to eliminate the notorious terrorist Bello Turji and his gang.
“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 in Zamfara.“This is not acceptable as President Bola Tinubu 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.“And so we are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” Matawalle said.
He further emphasized the urgent need to take action against the terrorists to allow people to move about freely.
“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases.“I believe my presence in the North West will ginger our armed forces,” he also said.
The statements from him is as follows
“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.”
Additionally, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence urged the residents of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states to stay vigilant and work in collaboration with security forces. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of all Nigerians, emphasizing that ensuring the security and well-being of the people is the government’s highest priority.
