Key stakeholders from Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states have criticized the media attention surrounding the relocation of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and other security officials to Sokoto to combat bandits in the North West region,leadership reports.
However, opinions are divided on the effectiveness of the delegation since its arrival last Monday.
In Sokoto, stakeholders argued that the widespread media coverage of the presidential directive to the security chiefs gave bandits the chance to flee to safer areas. Meanwhile, their counterparts in Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara acknowledged increased security in some communities but reported continued bandit attacks.
Residents in Sokoto noted that apart from the ceremonial arrival of the minister and his entourage at the Sokoto Airport, a courtesy call on Governor Ahmed Aliyu, and a N5 million donation to injured soldiers, there has been no significant change in the security situation. No new troops have been deployed, despite the promises.
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Matawalle, addressing troops, stated that their mission was in direct response to President Bola Tinubu’s concerns. “The president, worried about the situation in the North West, directed us to come here, review ongoing operations, and ensure that all necessary support is provided to our troops under ‘Operation Hadarin Daji,’” he said.
Referring to a recent attack where bandits killed four soldiers and destroyed military vehicles, Matawalle urged the troops to remain focused despite the setbacks.
However, residents in the state’s eastern regions, which have been hardest hit by banditry, expressed frustration with the government’s handling of the crisis. Alhaji Abdullahi Goronyo, a displaced farmer now living in a camp, criticized the government for announcing its plans to launch assaults on bandits. “By making these announcements, do they expect the bandits to wait for the troops?” he asked, describing the publicity as a tactical error.
In contrast, stakeholders in Zamfara welcomed the federal government’s actions, believing it could bring an end to banditry in the state. Hon. Sani Mohammed Dansadau, a resident, reported that areas previously terrorized by bandits had seen improvements since the government’s intervention. He expressed hope that the military would fully flush out the criminals, restoring peace.
During a visit to military formations in Zamfara, there were visible signs of enhanced security. However, the spokesperson for 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Gusau, Lieutenant Sulaiman Omale, declined to comment on the situation.
In Katsina State, residents reported positive developments. Kabir Usman from Kankara local government area highlighted a significant security deployment in the Mabai community. Yet, others, like a resident from Batsari local government, said bandits continue to attack, citing a recent incident in Watagaliya where villagers were kidnapped and shot.
Gen. Musa, while in Katsina, confirmed improved security in the state and other parts of the North West, crediting new strategies employed by the military. He emphasized that public cooperation was vital in successfully combating banditry.
In Kebbi, residents were still waiting for any tangible impact from the minister’s and security chiefs’ presence. Some security experts criticized the pre-announcement of the mission, arguing that it gave bandits time to escape. Unverified reports suggested that fleeing bandits had blocked the Argungu-Sanyinna-Yabo Highway, disrupting travel.
Efforts to reach security officials for further updates were unsuccessful.
