Bello Turji: Minister orders Chief of Defence Staff and other military leaders to relocate to Sokoto

Defence Minister Bello Matawalle has ordered the Chief of Defence Staff and other military leaders to relocate to Sokoto State as part of efforts to eliminate bandits, terrorists and other criminals in the North-West.

The Minister, who expressed sadness over the activities of the criminals in the region and other parts of the country, said the military leaders in Sokoto would specifically monitor the operations and ensure that Beautiful Turkey and his gang are chased away.

Naija News reports that Sokoto State is the headquarters of the Officer Commanding-General, who oversees Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States.

Matawalle said the government is deeply concerned about the continuing threat posed by banditry and terrorism, particularly in the North West, and Chairman Bola Tinubu is not happy with the situation.

He also urged the people of the region to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces to rid the states of insecurity fueled by the activities of the bandits.

Saturday’s statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike Minor, reads: “The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, HE Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorising Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States and environs.

“As a result, the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military leaders to relocate with him to Sokoto, the headquarters of the GOC Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States, as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to rid the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

“This strategic move underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to restore peace and security in the region. While in the North West, they will oversee operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are wiped out.

“These criminal bandits circulated videos of a Nigerian military armoured vehicle stuck in a flooded area and late at night the officers were asked to retreat to avoid being ambushed by bandits. Later at night the bandits went to the flooded area and recorded videos of the stuck armoured vehicle and celebrated. This incident occurred in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government of Zamfara State. This is unacceptable because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has been a great supporter of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the continuing menace of banditry and terrorism in the North West in particular. We are prepared to deploy all necessary resources to ensure that these criminal elements are wiped out and peace is restored in our communities, Dr Matawalle said. We must act against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely.

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

“Matawalle hereby calls on the Armed Forces of Nigeria to hunt down the bandits and terrorists as his presence in the North West will strengthen our forces.

“Matawalle assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces will leave no stone unturned until they track down the bandits.

The minister assured that he would be on the ground in the North-West with the CDS and other military leaders to lead the security operatives in their fight against the criminals.

“Furthermore, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence called on the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces. He reiterated the resolve of the Federal Government to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, stressing that the safety and welfare of the people remains the utmost priority of the government.”

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