Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements in the Northwest region of Nigeria. Speaking to reporters in Sokoto State on Wednesday, Matawalle outlined his plans to coordinate security efforts as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
Matawalle stated, “I am back in Sokoto state to coordinate this assignment of flushing all bandits and other criminals.” He reported some progress, noting that security forces had successfully eliminated notorious gang leaders and their members, leading to a relative peace in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states.
He expressed optimism about the ongoing operation, dubbed Fansan Yamma, which aims to combat criminal activities in the Northwest. “Our gallant troops will sustain the strides and continue to record success,” he added.
Assuring the residents of the Northwest that they would not be abandoned, Matawalle praised the efforts of security forces in combating the threat of banditry. “We will never leave you alone, and be assured that we will win this war against bandits and those supporting them,” he said.
The minister emphasized the federal government’s commitment to boosting the morale of military and security personnel, commending their sacrifices in the fight against insecurity. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve total success, stating, “We must collaborate together to bring these bandits down through the use of kinetic and non-kinetic methods to crush them entirely.”
Matawalle also reassured the public that the government would remain resolute in its efforts, stating, “We will never be intimidated, rest, or give the criminals breathing space. We must stop them from moving freely, no matter how they blackmail or spread propaganda against our operations.”
This renewed focus on tackling insecurity follows Matawalle’s visit to Sokoto in September, along with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as part of the federal government’s strategy to confront the persistent threat of banditry in the region.
