The Northern Elders Political Development group has praised Minister of State for Defense Mohammed Bello Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa for their joint efforts to boost security in the North West region.
According to the group, the majority of towns and villages in the region celebrated Eid-el-Fitri peacefully, with no reported bandit attacks, although some areas in Sokoto and Zamfara experienced unrest.
The group’s secretary, Dr. Adamu Lawal Giwa, attributed the improved security to the successful operation of Fansa Yamma, which targeted bandit enclaves in the North West.
This has significantly reduced challenges related to traveling and trading, especially along major routes like Sokoto to Gusau to Kano.
The Key achievements mentioned by the group include: a decrease in reported sightings of large groups of bandits attacking or kidnapping people.
The military’s efforts have led to success in operations against banditry, especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states.
Measures taken under ‘Fansa Yamma’ have yielded positive results, reducing kidnapping and attacks by bandits in many villages.
The group commended Minister Matawalle’s continuous support to the troops, which boosted their morale, and acknowledged the unwavering support of General Musa in coordinating the armed forces to ensure peace and tranquility in the North.
The improved security has brought hope to people, especially during and after the Ramadan fasting period. It’s essential to appreciate the efforts of the military leadership and those sacrificing their lives to protect people from bandits”, the group added.
“We applaud Minister of State Defence Mohammed Bello Matawalle’s effort of continuous support to the gallant troops, which boosted their morale to achieve the recorded success so far.
“We also acknowledge the unwavering support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who has been coordinating the armed forces to ensure peace and tranquillity in the North. We agreed that we are not there yet, but there are indications that we are on the right track towards that.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support and goodwill to the troops have also been praised by those who used to be threatened regularly by the criminal elements, as his administration’s measures have yielded positive results in reducing kidnapping and attacks by bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states”, they said.
Therefore, with this kind of improved security situation in our region, we promise to continue with our unwavering support on President Tinubu. Praying for him to continue with such efforts of ensuring peace to our region against banditry and other criminal activities.
However, concerns have been raised over reports of pockets of attacks in some villages of Sabon Birni and Isa, Sokoto state, as well as other areas of Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Therefore, with this kind of improved security situation in our region, we promise to continue with our unwavering support on President Tinubu. Praying for him to continue with such efforts of ensuring peace to our region against banditry and other criminal activities.
Despite these challenges, the group Forum has commended the military’s sacrifice and efforts in ensuring the protection of people, which has brought success in their operations against banditry activities.