The Northern Elders Political Development group has commended President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa for their efforts in improving security in the North-West region.
It noted that majority of towns and villages in the region observed the Eid-el-Fitri peacefully without cases of bandits’ attack as previously experienced, aside from pockets of unrest in few Sokoto and Zamfara villages.
A statement signed by its secretary, Dr. Adamu Lawal Giwa, followed successful operation of Fansa Yamma, which led to the destruction of bandits’ enclaves in some areas in the North-West region.
“Improved security in the North-West has significantly reduced challenges related to travelling and trading, particularly along major routes like Sokoto to Gusau and to Kano.
“There is also a decrease in reported sightings of large groups of bandits attacking or kidnapping people.
“The military’s efforts have led to success in operations against banditry, especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states.
“We applaud Minister of State Defence Mohammed Bello Matawalle’s effort of continuous support to the gallant troops, which boosted their morale to achieve the recorded success so far.
“We also acknowledge the unwavering support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who has been coordinating the armed forces to ensure peace and tranquility in the North. We agreed that we are not there yet, but there are indications that we are on the right track towards that.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support and goodwill to the troops have also been praised by those who used to be threatened regularly by the criminal elements, as his administration’s measures have yielded positive results in reducing kidnapping and attacks by bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states,” he said.
However, concerns have been raised over reported pockets of attacks in some villages of Sabon Birni and Isa, Sokoto State, as well as other areas of Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Despite these challenges, the group commended the military’s sacrifice and efforts in ensuring the protection of people, which has brought success in their operations against banditry activities.