The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has appealed to local communities to cooperate with federal forces in their quest to eliminate banditry and other criminal activities in the North-West.
Matawalle made this appeal during a security tour of the North-West Theatre on Thursday, aimed at addressing the region’s persistent insecurity.
In a statement released on Friday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the Minister emphasized that the tour was part of the Federal Government’s concerted efforts to tackle the security challenges that have beset the North-West region.
While addressing the community in Gundumi village, Matawalle spoke on the prolonged closure of the Gundumi-Isa Road in Sokoto State due to insecurity.
He assured residents that the road would soon be reopened, with a military camp to be established along the route to bolster security and support the resumption of normal economic activities.
“The President is fully committed to ending insecurity in Northern Nigeria, and we are here to ensure that no stone is left unturned,” Matawalle affirmed.
The Minister’s visit extended to Isa Local Government Area (LGA), where he was received by Hon. Sharifu Abubakar Kamarawa, the LGA chairman, alongside the Emir of Isa and local elders.
He urged the community to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and accurate intelligence. In response, the LGA chairman expressed gratitude for the visit, pledging the local government’s full support in the fight against banditry.
In Turba village, Matawalle reassured residents of the government’s commitment to their security, with additional military personnel set to be deployed. His next stop was at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Sabon Birni, where he commended the troops for their unwavering dedication and resilience in defending the nation.
Addressing the soldiers, the Minister promised to ensure their welfare and logistics needs were adequately met, urging them to remain focused and determined. “Your efforts are not in vain; they are deeply appreciated by the entire nation,” he stated.
Upon his arrival in Sabon Birni, Matawalle was received by the LGA chairman, Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu. He appealed to the local community to support the military’s efforts and offer prayers for the troops, who continue to make sacrifices in defense of the nation.
The Minister also revealed plans to establish a military base between Sabon Birni and Tsamaye to further strengthen security in the region.
Recognizing the severe impact of banditry, Matawalle visited several villages, including Hawan Duro and Mai Lalle, which have been epicenters of violence. After assessing the situation, he promised additional troop deployments, offering displaced residents hope that they would soon be able to return to their homes.
In Goronyo LGA, Matawalle was welcomed by the chairman, Engr. Zubairu Yari, and other local officials. The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to setting up military camps along key routes, particularly the Kwanar Mahalba-Goronyo axis, to curb the activities of bandits.
He also acknowledged the critical role played by the Sokoto State Government in supporting military operations, especially through the provision of operational vehicles.
Throughout the tour, Dr. Matawalle underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to restoring peace and security across the entire Northern region.
He highlighted the strategic appointment of northerners to key defense positions, including the Ministers of Defence, National Security Adviser, Minister of Police Affairs, and Chief of Defence Staff, as a demonstration of the President’s focus on achieving lasting security.
Matawalle expressed his deep appreciation to military personnel for their continued service, emphasizing that their sacrifices would be remembered.
He also called on communities to remain cooperative with security forces in the ongoing battle against insurgency and banditry.
The Minister’s tour sends a strong message that the Federal Government remains resolute in its mission to restore peace to the North-West. With the deployment of additional troops and the establishment of new military bases, residents of Sokoto and other affected states can anticipate a future where banditry and insecurity are things of the past.
