Matawalle needs prayers to end insecurity, not political distractions – Forum

The Middle-Belt Forum of Good Governance says that the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, requires prayers and support to restore the nation’s security, rather than distractions and condemnation from partisan politics. The National Coordinator of the Forum, Idoko Uche, said this during an interactive session with journalists. He highlighted that several notorious […]

The Middle-Belt Forum of Good Governance says that the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, requires prayers and support to restore the nation’s security, rather than distractions and condemnation from partisan politics.

The National Coordinator of the Forum, Idoko Uche, said this during an interactive session with journalists.

He highlighted that several notorious bandits in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna States have been neutralized recently in what was described as one of the most effective, concerted, and coordinated military operations in Nigeria.

According to him, the ongoing military offensive in the North West region has yielded positive results in the past three weeks.

“This was achieved following the directive of President Bola Tinubu, for Dr. Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and other top military officers relocate to Sokoto for a second time, to eradicate bandits in the region.

“A renowned strategist with immense political savvy and determination, Dr. Matawalle quickly visited Sabon Birnin, Goronyo, and Rabah, as well as Isa Local Government Area, which shares a boundary with Shinkafi Local Government Area in Zamfara State, and borders Sabon Birnin, Goronyo in Sokoto State, and Niger Republic.

“These areas are notorious for arms smuggling through porous borders. Bandit kingpin Bello Turji and his cohorts are in disarray, with no option but to surrender or face elimination, like their mentor Habibu Sububu,” Uche said.

He further stated that the success so far reflects the total commitment of Dr. Matawalle and Gen. Musa in flushing out the criminal elements that have terrorized the region for over 15 years.

These criminals, he said, have engaged in kidnapping for ransom, killings, armed robbery, rape, illegal taxation, extortion, and displacing people from their communities, exerting control over rural areas.

“We call on unscrupulous politicians, misguided clerics, local residents, traditional rulers, and unpatriotic security agents to stop sabotaging the fight against banditry in the North West region, which is being effectively coordinated by Dr. Matawalle and the military chiefs.

“The synergy between the security agencies and the Minister of State for Defence is a clear testament to the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at restoring national security, prosperity, and greatness.

“Anyone who disparages those leading the fight against banditry, insurgency, militancy, and terrorism is either aiding these criminals or is unhappy with the president’s resolve to end insecurity in Nigeria,” Uche said.

According to him, any serving, or former governor, or retired military officer who distracts the ongoing military operation in the North West is a saboteur looking to siphon security funds for personal gain.