The persistent military assault against bandits in the Dansadau region of Zamfara State, according to the state’s governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, will eventually drive the terrorists out of the region.
The state’s governor praised the military for defeating bandits in the Malele and Matunji communities of the Dansadau Emirate in the Maru Local Government Area and urged security personnel to continue the fight against the bandits.
During a statewide broadcast on security, he expressed his sincere gratitude to the military for its ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and put an end to banditry and other crimes throughout Zamfara State.
He noted that the people of Zamfara have been living in fear of the outlaws for decades and claimed that bandits have been terrorizing the entire state for decades.
Assuring them of the full support of the state government, the Governor urged the military personnel and other security personnel to step up their efforts to restore long-lasting peace in the State.
“No meaningful development can take place in any society in the absence of peace and stability, so we need to be mindful of peace in our state,” the governor added.
Speaking further, he said: “The terrorists have been invading our communities, causing untold suffering and hardship to innocent citizens. These criminal elements have shown no regard for the lives and well-being of our citizens and have terrorized our state with their ruthless acts of violence in various forms.”
In particular, at Malele in the Mutunji district and surrounding communities, notorious bandits have been terrorizing locals around Dansadau emirate and must be brought to justice, according to Governor Matawalle.
He claimed that on December 18, 2022, the security forces launched a well-coordinated aerial and ground assault on the strongholds of the rebel bandits who were preparing to seize control of Muntunji, Malele, and other nearby villages.
“The successful preemptive offensive by the gallant military forces has yielded significant results worthy of commendation.
“Several bandits have been neutralised, their settlements destroyed, and a large cache of their weaponry recovered. It was a complex and daring operation by our brave security forces which has immensely contributed to making the communities around the Dansadau axis safer,” he stated.
The success of the operation, he observed, “is a testament to the bravery and dedication of our armed forces.”
He expressed gratitude for the security forces’ efforts, especially those of the Nigerian Army and Air Force.
“The battle against these bandits is at a crucial turning point, which we are currently witnessing. Numerous bandits have been neutralized by our armed forces in recent operations, ending their reign of terror and providing our people with much-needed relief.
“This is a momentous occasion, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the brave men and women of the Nigerian army and Air force who have risked their lives to protect our communities. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I am deeply grateful for their service to our dear State,” Matawalle stated.
The governor went on to say that he was aware that scores of lives had been lost on the sides of the friendly communities and the security forces during the assault against these barbarous elements.
The governor took advantage of the occasion to express his condolences to the military leadership, the families of the fallen heroes, and their comrades. He also expressed sympathy to the families of those who died while participating in operations in our various communities.
He pledged that the government, along with the security forces and the affected communities, would support the injured and the families of the deceased.
He said further: “While we celebrate the recent successes, we must also recognize that there is still much work to be done. The fight against banditry is ongoing, and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to bring these criminals to justice and ensure the safety and security of our communities”
In order to continue the fight against banditry, he reassured the populace that his administration will continue to work closely with the Nigerian Army, Airforce, and other security forces. He also vowed to do everything in his power to ensure that the armed forces have the resources and support they need to maintain the safety and security of our communities.
“I also want to take this opportunity to urge our people to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Your cooperation is essential in the fight against banditry, and together we can work to create a safer and more secure Zamfara State for all,” he emphasized.
