Following increasing attacks and killings by terrorists and bandits in the Northwest, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States, the Minister of State for Defence Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle has called on the Military to relocate its Command structure to the Northwest to contain the situation.

There had been reports of Bandits invading and abducting scores of people in villages in Sokoto and Zamfara states and killing them for failing to pay ransom while a viral video claiming bandits’ seizure of an Army Mine Resistant Armoured Personnel Carrier is seen in the hands of bandits.

Matawalle, in a statement on Sunday by the Director of Media and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States and its environs.

The Minister decried a situation where criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a waterlogged area late in the night and the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits.

“Later in the night, the bandits went to the waterlogged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it. This incident happened in Kwashabawa , Zurmi local government Area of Zamfara state.

The MOD statement reads, “Consequent to this, the Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other Military Chiefs to move to Sokoto which is the Headquarters of the GOC Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States with him as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to rid the Northwest of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

“This strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the region.

“While in the Northwest they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his gang are flushed out.

“These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a waterlogged area and late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits.

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“Later in the night the bandits went to the water logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.

“This incident happened in Kwashabawa, Zurmi local government Area of Zamfara state.

“This is not acceptable as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the Northwest particularly

“We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities” Dr Matawalle stated.