By Matthew Abi
#TrackNigeria: As the Nigerian Army launches Operation Harbin Kunama IV to check security concerns in the Northwest states of Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna, the Ministry of Defence has warned those collaborating with criminal in the states to desist.
A statement issued by the Public Relations office of the Ministry, Col. Tukur Gasau and made available to Newsdiaryonline Tuesday said the exercise, which is simultaneously launched is flush out criminal elements in the Northwest.
“The Nigerian Air Force has also intensified air strikes against the bandits in Zamfara.
“So far, the combined efforts have yielded successes leading to the killing of many bandits, rescue of many innocent persons, including the renowned Islamic scholar Sheik Ahmad Suleiman.
“The Government is also addressing the remote and immediate causes that gave room to high spate of armed banditry in the states. Recently the government acted on the advice of the Ministry of Defence to suspend all mining activities in Zamfara State and environs following intelligence report that suggest close collaboration between the activities of the bandits and illegal miners.
It is instructive to mention here that insurgency and terrorism are global phenomena that cannot be addressed through military actions only. The whole society has to rise in unison to support the government’s efforts to address the problem.
#However, in spite of the concerted efforts of the Armed Forces and other security, some unpatriotic persons including highly placed traditional rulers in the areas were identified as helping the bandits with intelligence to perpetuate their nefarious actions or to compromise military operations,” the statement read.
Reacting to the spate of renewed banditry in the area, he said that in the last three years, the Ministry of Defence had carried out several reforms geared towards the reorganisation and expansion of the Armed Forces in order to meet up with contemporary security challenges across the nation and the sub region.
“In the last four years the Ministry of Defence has carried out reforms in the Armed Forces leading to expansions to meet up with contemporary security challenges. In line with this the Nigerian Army established Division 8 with headquarters in Sokoto to cover Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states while the Headquarters of 1 Brigade was relocated from Sokoto to Gusau.
“Presently the tactical headquarters of 8 Division has since located in Gusau. Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force also established Quick Response Force in Gusau and landing areas in Gusau and Birnin Magaji respectively,” it added.
The Ministry of Defence therefore, warned those that are conniving with the bandits to perpetuate crime against the law abiding citizens, to hence forth, retract there steps or face the full wrath of the law.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria have been directed to deal decisively with anybody identified helping the bandits under whatever guise no matter how highly placed the person or persons may be,” the statement said.
