DHQ begins probe of bandit sponsorship allegations in north-west

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says investigations into allegations of bandit sponsorship in the north-west of the country are ongoing. 

Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence; and Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara; have lobbed allegations of bandit sponsorship each other’s way. 

Matawalle challenged Lawal to swear by the Holy Qur’an that he was not involved in sponsoring bandits.

Responding, Lawal pledged to reveal evidence against the minister. He said he had reported the issue to Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA).

Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, spoke on the military’s interest in the allegations during a press briefing on Thursday.

Buba noted that relevant agencies are thoroughly investigating the matter.

He added that the military remains focused on defeating banditry by breaking the resolve of the criminals.

“And when you talk about what’s going on about the sponsors, I can assure you that the relevant agencies that are saddled with that responsibility are doing a good job. And sooner than later, you will hear some announcements in that regard,” he said.

“Winning a war is destroying the enemy’s will to fight. When you destroy the enemy’s will to fight, the war is over, you have won the war. And that’s why we are focused on destroying the enemy’s will to fight.”

ELIMINATING BANDIT KINGPINS

Speaking about the military’s operations from July to September, Buba noted that 1,937 terrorists had been killed, including 65 key leaders.

“Troops’ offensive actions culminated in the neutralisation of over 65 notable terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants across all theatres of operations. Significant terrorist leaders were eliminated from the battlefield,” he said.

“The bandit leaders include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Matawal Bitrus, Thomas Benedict, Mohammed Sani, Rimamy (aka Omo), Terkimbi Injoko, Jacob Uzege, Ibn Kasir, Kachalla Ɗan Baleri, Kachallah Halilu Jimmare (Buzu), Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakarriya, and Ofem Igwe.”

Buba added that 2,782 suspected terrorists and other criminals were arrested, and 1,854 kidnapped hostages were rescued in the third quarter of 2024.

He said troops recovered 1,304 weapons and 43,347 rounds of ammunition.

He also noted that within the same period, crude oil worth N13 billion was recovered by the troops.

“Troops denied oil thieves of an estimated sum of over N13,081,605,534, 12,143,870 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,623,216 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,970 litres of DPK, and 31,450 litres of PMS amongst other items,” he said.

“Accordingly, the nation’s daily crude oil production output is at an all-time high, with the nation’s daily target in sight.”