Minister charges troops to flush out bandits as Marwa extols military’s sacrifices

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammad Bello Matawalle, has called on troops in Sokoto and the wider North-West region to intensify their efforts in combating banditry and terrorism.

During a visit to the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto State, Matawalle, accompanied by senior military officials, expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.

He commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to remain relentless in their operations against bandits and terrorists. He also stressed the government’s full support and the importance of their mission to safeguard the life and property of Nigerians.

“The security of our nation is paramount,” Dr.Matawalle affirmed. “The President has given a clear mandate that the bandits and terrorists threatening our peace must be flushed out.”

The Minister assured the troops of the government’s backing, stating, “The Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs stand with you, providing the necessary resources and strategic guidance.”

We expect nothing less than total success in this operation.”

ALSO, Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), praised the professionalism, patriotism, and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in their fight against banditry in the North West and other security challenges nationwide.

Marwa’s commendation came during a visit by Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), to the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The visit aimed to explore collaboration between the NCTC and NDLEA. The NDLEA Chairman expressed the need to support the Armed Forces in light of a viral video showing bandits celebrating the immobilisation of a military armoured vehicle in Zamfara State.

He affirmed the military’s capability to contain banditry, drawing parallels to their success in curbing insurgency in the North East. Marwa urged Nigerians to stand united with the military and other security agencies in their efforts to address the nation’s security challenges. He emphasised the competence and skill of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel, highlighting their achievements in peacekeeping operations both before and after independence.