Niger State Governor and Chairman North Central States Governor’s Forum (NCSGF) Abubakar Sani Bello has applauded the recent success recorded by the Military in its air and ground strikes against the Bandits in some communities of Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina States.
The Governor in a statement said the battle against these criminals must not only be sustained but also extended simultaneously to other neighbouring states like Niger State.
Governor Sani Bello who expressed regret over the recent killing of 18 persons and the kidnap of some community members at Mazakuka and Kaboji all in Mashegu Local government area, as well as the kidnap of no less than 30 travellers at Garun Gabas in Rafi Local Government Area of the state, noted that the Bandits can only be eliminated completely, and in a short time, if the assault on them is carried out simultaneously.
The Governor stated that when the bandits are overpowered by the military might in a particular state, they move to another citing the recent trends where they moved in to Niger and Sokoto states as a result of the offensive in Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina states.
“The Bandits run to other states once they feel the pressure of the military. Look at what happened to us in Niger recently, they invaded Shiroro, Munya and Rafi upon been overpowered in Kaduna. Similarly, they invaded, killed and kidnapped many in Sokoto communities, he added.
He said there is an existing joint security collaboration amongst the affected states stressing the Governors are already talking with the Army Chiefs on how to carry out simultaneous military operations against the miscreants.
The Governor also stated that he is sustaining his weekly meetings with the Heads of security agencies in the state to review their strategy on how to curtail the criminal activities of the bandits.
He therefore urged the people of the affected communities to provide credible intelligence about the movement of these bandits to the security agencies so that the simultaneous military operation can be successful.
“We must checkmate this new trend, we are talking with the military about it and they are already doing an urgent strategic overview of the situation in order to incorporate a plan in the sustained battle against the bandits.
” We also urged the affected communities in the state to assist the military with intelligence for effective and successful operations”, he further stated.
