The federal government, on Friday, directed the military high command to increase its operations in Zamfara Katsina and Kaduna over incessant activities of bandits.
The directive came a few hours many residents of Gonin Gora, Kakau Ward, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State blocked the Kaduna-Abuja highway following the killing of two local vigilantes and abduction of several residents.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said the government was directing the military to command the troops on ground and additional ones to adopt a more proactive approach in decimating the activities of bandits in the Northwest.
Matawalle also directed the military to synergise with the other security forces and decimate insecurity, insisting that there is a need for synergy among the services to be able to wipe out insurgency and other form criminalities in the region.
The Minister stated: “The safety and well-being of our citizens remain paramount and it is imperative that decisive action be taken to curb the menace of terrorism and banditry in our communities.
“Enhanced security in the region will not only safeguard the lives and properties of our people but also improve the quality of farming and irrigation. Farmers will be able to cultivate their lands without fear of attacks, thus ensuring food security and economic prosperity for the region.”
Matawalle maintained that President Bola Tinubu was determined to tackle insecurity head-on and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
He, however, called for cooperation from all stakeholders, urging communities to support security agencies in their efforts to rid the region of criminal elements.