President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed plans to use the Armed Forces and other para-military agencies to tackle banditry in Zamfara and Sokoto States.He promised to include the Police, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the planned operation.
The president directed the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Abubakar Sadiq to immediately proceed on an assessment trip to Zamfara and Sokoto States.He reassured residents of the affected states, including Kaduna, Niger and Taraba, about his administration’s commitment to their safety.
Buhari’s directive came yesterday, while reacting to the killings by armed bandits in Birnin Magaji community in Tsafe Local Council Area, and Magami community in Faru District of Maradun Local Council Area of Zamfara State.He said the horrendous acts of violence are crimes against humanity, adding that the violence must stop.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president condoled with the families, government and people of Zanfara State for the killings.
The president pledged support for the police authorities, which have already deployed Special Forces in each of the local councils government in Zamfara State, as well as the Defence Headquarters’ deployment of a Special Military Intervention Force.
The more than 1,000 personnel were deployed to respond to the security challenges in the North Central and North West.He said these measures would, among others, be intensified to flush out the bandits from wherever they are.Buhari commended Nigerians for their support to the nation’s security agencies who have continued to demonstrate dedication, commitment and bravery, even in very difficult and complex operations.
