Nigeria’s Defense Leaders To Move To Sokoto In Renewed Effort To Tackle Terrorism In North-West

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly instructed Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle and military leaders to relocate to Sokoto State to address terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, not only in the state, but in the wider North-West region.

The Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defense, Henshaw Ogubike, confirmed this directive, saying it aimed to intensify efforts to tackle security issues in the North-West.

The effectiveness of this strategy was uncertain as previously ex-President Muhammadu Buhari's relocation efforts of military chiefs to Borno during the Boko Haram insurgency had mixed results. Despite some successes, Boko Haram's influence spread to other northern states like Niger and Kogi.

"These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military armored vehicle that was stuck in a water-logged area," Matawalle's spokesperson Ogubike said, Premium Times reported. "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 armored vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it. This incident happened in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area in Zamfara."

Ogubike noted that this was not acceptable, as Tinubu was providing great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He added the "federal government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly."

He further stated that they were prepared to use all available resources to remove criminal elements and restore peace to the communities, emphasizing the urgent need to act against terrorists to allow people to move freely.

Matawalle believes it is high time to tackle these bandits and terrorists, as continuous operations will weaken their strongholds.

He assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and the entire North-West that the security forces will do everything possible to remove the bandits. He promised to be on the ground in the North-West with the Chief of Defense Staff and other military leaders, leading the efforts alongside the armed forces.

While urging the residents to stay alert and cooperate with security forces, Matawalle emphasized that the federal government was committed to protecting all Nigerians and prioritizing their safety and well-being.