The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) Tuesday rejected the recent allegations made by Sokoto cleric, Mallam Bello Asada, that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle is aiding insecurity.
In a video uploaded by Zagazola, a renowned Counter Insurgency Expert in the Lake Chad, West Africa region, Asada claimed that several notorious bandit leaders, including Sububu, Ada Allero, and Bello Turji, were provided with Hilux vehicles by the minister.
A statement by the chairman of NAN, Salihu Suleiman, said such claims are misleading, fabricated, and entirely untrue.
“NAN deeply regrets the cleric’s unfounded criticisms of the government’s unwavering efforts to apprehend bandit leader,Bello Turji. The network asserts that the N20 million bounties placed on Turji is a legitimate and serious initiative to combat banditry in the region and should not be dismissed lightly.
Sulieman said, “Asada’s assertion that Matawalle has full awareness of Turji’s whereabouts and possesses personal knowledge of him is not only unfounded but also slanderous and provocative.
“NAN firmly believes that such statements undermine the ongoing efforts of government officials and security agencies dedicated to restoring peace and order in affected areas.
“In the light of the current security challenges facing the nation, NAN advises Mallam Asada to reclaim his statesmanship by either engaging in active party politics or maintaining a dignified silence to allow the government and security forces to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
“The Northern Awareness Network stands with the government in its fight against banditry and urges all stakeholders to work collectively towards ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” he said.
Blueprint Newspapers on WhatsAp-Join now!