The Northern Awareness Network (NAN weekend raised alarm over the worsening security situation in the country’s North-west region, highlighting an urgent need for a decisive response from the federal government.
In a statement issued by its chairman, Salihu Suleiman, NAN expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence, including rampant banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, which has plunged the region into fear and uncertainty.
Suleiman commended the recent directive by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, instructing military chiefs to relocate to Sokoto.
He described this as a bold and necessary move that signals the government’s serious commitment to restoring stability in the troubled region.
“Our region has suffered immensely from the activities of notorious gangs, especially those led by figures like Bello Turji,” Suleiman stated, underscoring the devastating impact of these criminal activities on the North-west’s security infrastructure and socio-economic fabric.
He stated that Dr. Matawalle’s directive to establish a military command center in Sokoto is crucial for overseeing security operations across the region, which includes neighboring states such as Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi. This move, Suleiman noted, is vital for coordinating efforts against the deeply entrenched banditry networks.