The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle on Tuesday has warned bandits terrorizing northwestern states, and all those perpetuating insecurity in Nigeria that there would not be breathing space for them.
He gave the warning during his second visit to Sokoto State within two months in compliance with the directive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave to him and Army chiefs to relocate to Sokoto over the escalation of bandits’ attacks in the Northwest region.
The Minister said his latest visit was to reassess the successes so far recorded which included the killing of a notorious bandits’ leader Halili Sububu and many of his foot soldiers.
“We will never be intimidated, rest or allow the criminals breathing space, we must stop them from moving freely no matter how they blackmail or make propaganda and mischief against our operations.
”We will never be distracted toward securing the lives and properties of our people, ” he added.
He said “Operation Fansan Yamma” which dismantled Boko Haram in the Northeast has begun in the North West, and called for support and cooperation of all and sundry for the operation to succeed.
“The fight against insecurity is not for Mutawalle, Federal, state or the security agencies alone. Is for all Nigerians that wish this country well.
“Therefore, Journalists, religious leaders and members of the Societies have a greater role to play because the bandits have resorted to propaganda to demoralize Nigerians and our gallant soldiers but have been failing woefully.
“The morale of our gallant soldiers is still high. We are appreciating their gallantry and sacrifices to the country.
“And the federal government would continue to give them all the support needed to secure this country.
“Our media houses must also continue to report successes recorded by our gallant military in the fight against banditry and insurgency,” he urged.
