The former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has said that the recent criticism of the Minister of State for Defence (CDS), Bello Matawalle, and National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, was unnecessary distractions in the fight against banditry and terrorism in the country.

Sani, who is also a human rights activist, explained that there is a significant decrease in banditry and terrorist attacks in the North West and North Central zones.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and some groups had accused Matawalle of maintaining ties with the bandits plaguing Zamfara State.

However, speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, Sani queried the critics of the nation’s security chiefs, saying, “Why are some people not happy because bandit leaders are being targeted and eliminated?”

Pointing out that Matawalle and Ribadu are delivering on their mandates and making the north safer, he questioned the whereabouts of those accusing the security chiefs of incompetence when people were slaughtered on a daily basis under Buhari’s 8-year regime.

He admitted that terrorism and banditry have not been completely wiped out but noted that there is serious improvement in the safety of citizens across the North West.

Sani, therefore, advised, “Now that the war against terrorism is turning the tides against bandit leaders in the North West, the CDS Musa, Defence Minister of State, Matawalle, NSA Ribadu, and others should remain focused and not distracted.”

“Any person genuinely interested in bringing an end to these evil kidnappers and mass murderers should support the current efforts and encourage them to do more rather than embark on frivolous criticism.”