DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS ZAMFARA, LAUDS GOV. LAWAL’S COMMITMENT TO FIGHT BANDITRY

PRESS STATEMENT

DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS ZAMFARA, LAUDS GOV. LAWAL’S COMMITMENT TO FIGHT BANDITRY

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has lauded Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment and continued support to the military operations in Zamfara State.

On Thursday, the minister visited the Zamfara Government House and the Joint Taskforce Northwest Operation Fansar Yamma headquarters in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the visit aims to enhance collaboration between the state and the Ministry of Defence.

The statement added that the minister discussed issues of concern as a follow-up to governors Lawal and Radda’s visit to the Defence Ministry earlier this week.

In his remark, Governor Lawal restated his government’s willingness to cooperate with all security agencies to ensure a peaceful Zamfara.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Minister of Defense, who is here today to discuss the security situation in Zamfara.

“Some few days ago, the governor of Katsina state and I were in the minister’s office at the Defence Ministry, where we discussed pressing issues.

“You can see, after two days, the Minister is here with us. This is commendable and a show of commitment from the minister’s side.

“Zamfara is facing many security challenges, but as a responsible government, we are all out to seek assistance, synergy, and cooperation. We are committed to providing all assistance to the troops.

“We are taking this fight to the bandits because we won’t continue to remain defensive. What I have seen so far suggests that the banditry issue will become history, God willing.

“I have made commitments to the Minister. In addition, I have procured ten bulletproof buffalo gun trucks for the military. Other logistics are also in place and will be made available to the security forces to aid them in fighting banditry.

“If we could address the banditry challenges in Zamfara, 90% of the problem would be solved.

“I appeal to the troops, especially the military, that we need them. I am confident they have what it takes to finish this fight.

“I am committed, and I am with you. I thank you all, especially the Honourable Minister who creates time to be with us.”

Earlier, The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, said the successes of the ongoing operation against bandits are linked to the continued support of Governor Lawal’s administration.

“We have started to see improvements, thanks to the support of His Excellency, the Governor of Zamfara State.

“He provided accommodation for the command, logistics, long-distance surveillance cameras, vehicles, and fuel. He even supplied the troops with gun trucks. Your Excellency, we thank you.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
October 24, 2024