Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, has relocated to Sokoto State in response to rising banditry in the region, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This move signals a renewed focus on combating insecurity in the northwest.
In a statement issued by Henshaw Ogubike, the director of information and public relations at the ministry, Matawalle said his presence in Sokoto spells doom for bandits and their supporters. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ending insecurity in the region.
“As directed by Mr. President, I am back to Sokoto State to assure the people of this great region of our commitment to achieving all necessary yardsticks in the fight against insecurity,” the defence minister declared. He reassured residents, “We will win this war against bandits and those supporting them to unleash terror against our people.”
Matawalle emphasised the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in the region and expressed confidence in the ongoing military operations. “I am optimistic that our gallant troops will continue to record successes through Operation Fansan Yamma as we intensify our fight against these criminals,” he said.
The minister’s relocation comes amid an aggressive push by the Tinubu administration to prioritise the protection of lives and property in banditry-affected areas. Matawalle vowed to continue fighting “relentlessly” against both bandits and their supporters.
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