‘Time is up for bandits’ — Matawalle, military chiefs head to north-west states

Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, is set to visit some north-western states as part of efforts to rid the region of insecurity.

A statement issued on Saturday by Henshaw Ogubike, director of information and public relations at the ministry of defence, said Matawalle will be accompanied by Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), and other military chiefs.

The delegation is expected to visit Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi.

“While in the north-west, they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out,” the statement said.

Ogubike also debunked claims that bandits attacked the army and hijacked their vehicle.

“These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a waterlogged area, and late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits; later in the night the bandits went to the waterlogged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it,” he said.

“This incident happened in Kwashabawa, Zurmi local government area of Zamfara state. This is not acceptable as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Ogubike said the federal government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the north-west.

“We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” the ministry’s spokesperson quoted Matawalle as saying.

“We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely.

“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists, as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases.”

The minister expressed optimism that the CDS’ leadership in the states would encourage the military to put in more effort.