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Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, says the country’s security forces have eliminated most top bandit commanders and their fighters, noting that “what remains now are a few scattered elements.” He delivered this message during a visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters, shortly after observing Juma’at prayers at the Command Mosque.
His remarks come on the heels of Monday’s abduction of at least 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. According to the state police spokesperson, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi, the attackers struck around 4am, engaged security personnel in a gunfight, killed one staff member and injured another.
In Abuja, a statement from Ibrahim Sule, Director of Information for the minister, explained that Matawalle was relaying President Bola Tinubu’s message of appreciation to the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA for their “patriotism, courage, and remarkable successes in decimating bandit formations across the Northwest.”
Matawalle told the soldiers, “Mr. President specifically asked me to tell you that you have done exceedingly well.” He added, “Most of the key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort. What remains now are a few scattered elements, and the Commander in Chief has directed that these remnants must be wiped out completely.”
He assured them of Tinubu’s commitment, saying the President would continue to provide the logistics, equipment and welfare support needed to conclude the campaign.
The minister was received by Theatre Commander Major General Warrah Bello Idris, who briefed him on recent operations, noting the neutralisation of high value targets and the recapture of several communities.
Matawalle praised the troops for their resilience, calling their efforts the foundation for the gradual restoration of peace in Zamfara and other affected states. Idris described the visit as “a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s personal interest in the welfare and operational success of troops in the Northwest.”
Speaking to officers and soldiers on the parade ground, Matawalle urged them to remain vigilant and maintain discipline. He expressed confidence that the fight is nearing its end, declaring, “Your sacrifices will never be in vain. The President is proud of you, the nation is proud of you, and very soon, the people of this region will sleep with their two eyes closed.”
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