Matawalle: Scores of bandits were killed during military air raid in Zamfara

Bello Matawalle, governor of Zamfara, says several bandits were killed during a recent military air raid in the state.

Matawalle, in a state broadcast on Wednesday, also confirmed that some security operatives also lost their lives during the operation in Dansadau district in Maru LGA of the state.

Maru is one of the LGAs in Zamfara facing attacks by bandits who invade communities to kill and destroy the properties.

The governor said the military air raid was conducted in Malele, Mutunji and other villages around Dansadau on December 18.

“To address you this evening about the ongoing crackdown on notorious bandits who have been terrorizing locals around Dansadau emirate, particularly, in Malele and Mutunji district and nearby communities,” Matawalle said.

“On Sunday, December 18, 2022, our security forces carried out a well-coordinated air raid and ground onslaught on the recalcitrant bandits while planning to invade Mutunji, Malele and other surrounding villages near Dansadau district.

“The successful preemptive offensives of the gallantry forces, as a result, several bandits have been neutralised, their settlements destroyed and a large cache of their weaponry recovered. It was a complex and daring operation that our security forces have immensely contributed to making the community around Dansadau safer.

“The successes of this operation are a testimony to the bravery and dedication of our armed forces. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them for the sustained efforts in protecting our communities and crushing banditry and other crimes in all parts of our state.”

Matawalle expressed concerns over the active operations of bandits around the region, adding that citizens have suffered severely in the hands of the criminals.

He commended the troops and other security operatives for their relentless efforts in tackling banditry across the state.

“For far too long, the good people of the state have lived in fear of the bandits who have invaded our communities causing sufferings and hardship. Those criminal elements have shown no regard for the lives and wellbeing of our citizens and have terrorised our states with their ruthless act of violence in various forms,” he said.

“Again, to the efforts of our security forces, particularly, the Nigerian army and air force, we have witnessed a significant pulling point in the fight against bandits in a recent operation. Our armed forces have successfully taken out scores of bandits bringing an end to their reign of terror and bringing much-needed relief to our people.

“This is a momentous occasion and I want to take this opportunity to thank the brave men and women of the Nigerian army and air force who have risked their lives to protect our community. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten and I am deeply grateful for their services to our dear state.

“I am aware that in the course of the onslaught against these barbarous elements, scores of lives have been lost from the side of the friendly communities and the security forces.”

The governor commiserated with the military and families of the security forces who lost their lives during the air strike operation, adding that their sacrifices will be remembered.

“The fight against banditry is ongoing and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to bring those criminals to justice and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” the governor noted.