The federal government’s order to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other Service Chiefs to relocate to the north-west zone and flush out the terrorists, has excited the northern stakeholders, especially in Sokoto and Katsina states.
Specifically, the decision was greeted with wide jubilation from the people of Sokoto, whose farming and businesses have been paralysed as a result of criminal activities of the terrorists.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, had, weekended, ordered the relocation of the CDS and his team of top military officers to Sokoto.
The statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Director Information and Public Relations of the defence ministry, Henshaw Ogubike, quoted Matawalle as saying the move was part of an intensified effort by the federal government to rid the zone of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
“While in the North West they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his bandits’ gang are flushed out. These criminal Bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged area and late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, 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 North West 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.
“We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely. The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases,” the statement had said.
…Sokoto
In a separate interview with journalists in Sokoto, Sunday, a cross-section of residents appreciated the federal government over the move which, they said was an indication of its commitment and readiness to find lasting solution to the menace.
In his view, a trader, Malam Garba Mailambu, said the directive had manifested the federal government’s intensified effort to rid the northwest zone of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
Mailambu said such directive was expected during the last regime, stressing that “the deployment of necessary military assets and manpower would ensure these criminal elements were flushed out and peace restored to our communities.”
He urged the personnel to live up to the expectations and urged residents, especially those living in the affected settlements, to cooperate with personnel and support their movement.
Also, an academic with the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Dr Habibu Ahmed Mada, described the order given by the minister as a relief and great service to humanity, especially in the zone.
“The man is a good strategist who understands the trends, aware with their tactics, especially in my state (Zamfara). He was very much successful in the fight against insurgents during his tenure in our state and region many times before becoming a minister. So, he needs an independent authority to crush them,” said Mada.
Similarly, a resident, Mr Shehu Haruna, commended the federal government’s efforts and advised Matawalle, being an indigene of the area, to intensify supervision operations and ensure that Bello Turji and members of his gang were flushed out.
Haruna said there was an urgent need to move against the terrorists to enable people return to their farms and move freely.
Similarly, another resident, Mr Ibrahim Dandare, said the ministerial order was indicative of the unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the northern region.
In same vein, some opposition parties under the guise of coalition for opposition parties in Katsina state lauded the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government for its foresight by directing an onslaught against the terrorists in the north as a whole.
…NAF kills terrorist kingpin
And less than 24 hours after the ministerial order, the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) said its Special Forces from 413 Force Protection Group neutralised a notorious terrorist kingpin, Mustapha Abdullahi, and 5 members of his gang.
NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, in a statement Sunday in Abuja, said the criminals were killed near Sabon Gida Forest along Sabon Birni Road in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state.
The NAF action followed intelligence report on 31 August 2024 that the terrorists were sighted in the area with likely intent to kidnap, harm or kill innocent civilians.
He said following the intelligence, a team of Special Forces was dispatched to comb the location.
“After making contact with the terrorists who were on motor cycles, on sighting the Special Forces, the terrorists immediately opened fire and were met with superior fire power by the troops, eliminating all the terrorists.
“Items recovered from the terrorists included 5 den guns, locally fabricated sub-machine gun, and live ammunition. Others include assorted charms, lighters, sim cards and phone cases,” he said.
The statement further said efforts by the troops to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari and environs of criminals and their activities remained ongoing.
“Troops have also been commended and urged to intensify ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties,” he added.
…AYCF backs order to CDS
in a related development; the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has thrown its weight behind the strategic military deployment order by the federal government.
In a statement signed Sunday by the AYCF President-General, Yerima Shettima, the forum expressed its full support for the move, highlighting the need for urgent and decisive action to restore peace and order in the region.
Shettima stressed that the enhanced military presence in Sokoto was crucial for ensuring the safety and socio-economic stability of the area.
He warned against potential sabotage of the initiative, noting that any attempts to undermine the military strategy through misinformation or dissent should be met with immediate arrest and prosecution.
The AYCF president emphasised the importance of a coordinated response to threats against national security, stating that the forum stands ready to collaborate with government officials, security agencies, and local communities to secure the region.
Shettima further urged all stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to engage in transparent dialogue and support efforts aimed at promoting peace and security.
The AYCF called on citizens to remain vigilant and supportive of initiatives that serve the greater good of the nation, stressing the need for public trust and inclusive measures in the fight against insecurity.
“The AYCF reaffirmed its commitment to working towards a safer and more secure Nigeria, calling for proactive measures to foster public trust and actively address community concerns. The forum also encouraged vigilance against forces that may seek to disrupt progress, emphasizing that the fight for security extends beyond military deployment,” the statement concluded.
…ACF hails CDS’ visit to Niger Republic
Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has commended the visit of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and his high-level military delegation to the Republic of Niger, describing it as a significant step towards mending the strained relations between the two countries.
In a statement signed by the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum expressed delight at the visit, seeing it as a promising sign of renewed cooperation between Nigeria and Niger, especially after the diplomatic fallout following the July 2023 military coup in the neighbouring country.
The ACF recalled that following the coup, Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), had imposed stringent sanctions on Niger, including border closures and threats of military intervention to reinstate the ousted civilian government.
The forum noted that these measures had severely strained the historically close ties between the two nations.
The forum noted that Nigeria and Niger share deep-rooted socio-cultural, economic, and political bonds, which predate colonialism.
It argued that “the sanctions and border closures had negatively impacted communities on both sides of the border, particularly in the seven Nigerian states that share boundaries with Niger.”
The ACF, which had opposed the sanctions from the outset, feels vindicated by the recent diplomatic moves.
The forum praised General Musa’s conduct during the visit, calling his statements to the press “bold, brave, soothing, and patriotic.”
The ACF also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for authorising the delegation’s trip, likening the move to the strong and principled foreign policy stance of late General Murtala Mohammed during Nigeria’s support for Angola’s independence in 1975.