The Governor Bello Matawalle administration has ordered all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to leave Zamfara State over what it described as “illegal activities by these establishments fuelling insecurity.”

The directive was contained in a statement, issued yesterday, in Gusau, by the Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, Mamman Tsafe. The commissioner equally accused some of the NGOs of failing to register with the state in accordance with extant laws.

The statement reads in part: “It is further noted that majority of these illegal NGOs have not registered with the state in line with the laid down rules and regulations of government. Some of them have also been found to be engaging in activities fuelling insecurity in the state and its neighbourhood.

“Henceforth, the government orders all NGOs in the state to pack their belongings and leave the state immediately. Ministries and departments of government have been ordered to stop any further relationship with any NGO, as punitive measures will be taken against any MDA found having any relationship with the NGOs.

“Security agencies in the state are by this announcement directed to be vigilant. They are hereby directed to investigate and prosecute any NGO operating in the state without due clearance from designated authorities. Results of such prosecutions are to be forwarded to the ministry for record please.”