By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

The Northern Elders Political Development group, has commended Minister of State Defense Mohammed Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa for their collaborative efforts with other security apparatus in improving security in the North West region.

To the group, the majority of towns and villages in the region observed their Eid-el-Fitri peacefully without recorded cases of bandits’ attacks as used to be the case, however the pockets of unrest in Sokoto and Zamfara villages.

In a statement on Tuesday in Kaduna by
Dr. Adamu Giwa,
Secretary of the group, also commended troops for a successful outing under operation Fansa Yamma, which led to the destruction of bandits’ enclaves in some areas in the North West.

Giwa believed that the improved security has significantly reduced challenges of travelling and trading activities, especially along major routes like Sokoto-Gusau and to Kano.

He stated that there is also a decrease in reported sightings of large groups of bandits attacking or kidnapping people.

“The military’s efforts have led to success in operations against banditry, especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states.

“Measures taken under operation ‘Fansa Yamma’, as promised by President Bola Tinubu, have yielded positive results, reducing kidnapping and attacks by bandits in many villages,”he said.

According to Giwa, the reduction in escalated attacks in some local governments of Zamfara was a testament to the armed forces’ efforts in ensuring the return of security.

He, therefore, noted that the new tactical operations of attacking bandits in their enclaves have been a significant achievement.

He acknowledged that the improved security had brought hope to people, especially during and after the Ramadan fasting period, which made It essential to appreciate the efforts of the military leadership who are sacrificing their lives to protect people from bandits.

“We applaud Minister of State Defence Mohammed Matawalle’s effort of continuous support to the gallant troops, which boosted their morale to achieve the recorded success so far.

“We also acknowledge the unwavering support of the CDS Gen. Christopher Musa, who has been coordinating the armed forces to ensure peace and tranquillity in the North. We agreed that we are not there yet, but there are indications that we are on the right track towards that.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support and goodwill to the troops have also been praised by those who used to be threatened regularly by the criminal elements, as his administration’s measures have yielded positive results in reducing kidnapping and attacks by bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states”,he said.

Speaking further, Giwa however, said concerns have been raised over reports of pockets of attacks in some villages of Sabon Birni and Isa, Sokoto state, as well as in other areas of Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

Despite the challenges, he said the Northern Elders Progressive Forum has commended the military’s sacrifice and efforts in ensuring the protection of people, which has brought success in their operations against banditry activities.(NAN)