From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Northern Elders Political Development group has commended Minister of State Defense Mohammed Bello Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa for their collaborative efforts with other security apparatus in improving security in the North West region.
The Forum’s Secretary, Dr. Adamu Lawal Giwa, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that the majority of towns and villages in the region observed their Eid-el-Fitri peacefully without recorded cases of bandits’ attacks as used to be the case, even though there were pockets of unrest in Sokoto and Zamfara villages.
The commendation comes after the successful operation of Fansa Yamma, which has led to the destruction of bandits’ enclaves in some areas in the North West.
The group believed that the improved security has significantly reduced the challenges of travelling and trading activities, especially along major routes like Sokoto to Gusau to Kano.
The statement reads in part, “Improved security in the North West has significantly reduced challenges related to travelling and trading, particularly along major routes like Sokoto to Gusau to Kano.
“There is also a decrease in reported sightings of large groups of bandits attacking or kidnapping people is notable.
“The military’s efforts have led to success in operations against banditry, especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states.
“Measures taken under ‘Fansa Yamma’, as promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have yielded positive results, reducing kidnapping and attacks by bandits in many villages.
“The reduction in escalated attacks in some local governments of Zamfara is a testament to the armed forces’ efforts in ensuring the return of security. The new tactical operations of attacking bandits in their enclaves have been a significant achievement.
“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.
However, concerns have been raised over reports of pockets of attacks in some villages of Sabon Birni and Isa, Sokoto state, as well as in other areas of Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Despite these challenges, the group has commended the military’s sacrifice and efforts in ensuring the protection of people, which has brought success in their operations against banditry activities.