Nigeria’s Defence Minister Amplifies Efforts To Combat Banditry In Zamfara
In a decisive move against the persistent threat of banditry in Zamfara State, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has issued a firm directive to troops under Operation Fansar Yamma: apprehend the notorious bandit leader, Turji, without delay. The minister delivered this order on Thursday while addressing military personnel at the One Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, the state capital. His visit aimed to assess the progress of ongoing military efforts against bandit groups terrorizing communities across the region.
Minister Abubakar highlighted that President Bola Tinubu is pleased with recent advancements in the campaign against terrorism and banditry in northern Nigeria. “President Bola Tinubu has recognized some level of improvement in the operation against terrorists in the region over the last few months,” he stated, acknowledging the commitment and resilience of the armed forces. However, Abubakar also noted that significant challenges remain, as bandits continue to launch attacks on civilians, destabilizing local communities and endangering lives.
In his address, Abubakar conveyed the President’s steadfast support for the troops, emphasizing that they would receive all necessary resources to reinforce their mission. He urged the soldiers to escalate their efforts, reiterating President Tinubu’s words of encouragement. “President Tinubu has asked me to thank you and to also encourage you to do more in ending insecurity in these operational areas,” Abubakar shared, expressing the government’s readiness to provide comprehensive backing to the armed forces. He then called on the troops to confront the bandit threat with renewed resolve, saying, “Are you ready to finish them off? Are you ready to end banditry in this country? Please get me Turji, dead or alive.”
Abubakar’s visit and directives signify a strategic escalation in Nigeria’s efforts to curb the influence of notorious bandit leaders like Turji, whose activities have devastated numerous communities. He was received by the Commander of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Fansar Yamma, Maj Gen Oluyinka Soyele, and Zamfara’s Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummun.
