The Federal Government has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto State to rid the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, disclosed this in a statement.
The government said that the directive is part of an intensified effort to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
The federal government expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in the states and its environs, explaining that the strategic move underscored the unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the region.
According to the statement, while in the North West, they would supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang were flushed out.
"These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged area.
"And late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.
"This incident happened in kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area in Zamfara.
"This is not acceptable as President Bola Tinubu has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
"The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly.
"And so we are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities," the statement said.
The government said that there was the urgent need to move against the terrorists to enable people to move freely.
It further assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces would leave no stone unturned in flushing out the bandits.
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