The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West during a visit to Sokoto State on Wednesday. The visit, ordered by President Bola Tinubu, follows Matawalle’s initial trip on August 31, accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
Speaking to reporters, Matawalle underscored the government’s determination to eradicate the scourge of banditry plaguing the region.
“As directed by Mr. President, I have returned to Sokoto to continue coordinating this vital mission to flush out bandits and other criminals,” he said. “We have already achieved significant progress, including the elimination of notorious gang leaders and their members in several areas, leading to a relative improvement in security, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states.”
Matawalle expressed confidence that the ongoing military operations, codenamed ‘Fansan Yamma’, would continue to yield results in the fight against criminality in the North-West.
“The Federal Government is fully committed to sustaining this offensive until the entire region, and indeed the nation, is free from the grip of these criminals,” the minister added. “We will not relent, and we will ensure our troops are supported as they continue their courageous fight against insecurity.”
Matawalle also praised the efforts of Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, for his collaboration with security agencies and urged other governors in the North-West to join forces with the Federal Government in the ongoing battle against insecurity.
“We must work together to dismantle these criminal networks using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods,” he stressed. “The government will not be intimidated or distracted by the bandits’ propaganda. We will continue to secure the lives and property of our people.”
The minister’s visit is part of the government’s renewed strategy to root out banditry, with increased military operations and a strengthened focus on both conventional and unconventional tactics to bring lasting peace to the region.
