The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has directed the Nigerian military to intensify counter-terrorism operations across the North-West geopolitical zone following a fresh wave of terrorist attacks in Zamfara State and neighbouring communities.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over the renewed activities of armed groups responsible for attacks on communities, killings, kidnappings and the displacement of residents across parts of the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the minister expressed sympathy to victims of the recent attacks, particularly those in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State and other affected communities, assuring them of the Federal Government's commitment to restoring peace and security.
Matawalle reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration's determination to end terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes threatening lives and livelihoods in the North-West.
As part of the renewed security measures, the minister ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other security formations operating in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna states to intensify offensive operations against terrorist elements.
He directed commanders to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance, increase both ground and aerial patrols where necessary, and aggressively target terrorist camps, logistics bases and hideouts using all lawful means available.
According to the statement, the renewed offensive is aimed at disrupting the operational capacity of criminal groups, denying them safe havens and restoring confidence among residents of affected communities.
Matawalle stressed that the military remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, noting that security agencies have continued to record successes in various operations but must sustain the momentum until lasting peace is achieved.
The minister also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and members of the public to work closely with security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence capable of preventing attacks and facilitating the arrest of criminal elements.
He noted that community cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing military operations, urging residents not to shield or collaborate with terrorists and bandits.
"The fight against terrorism requires the collective efforts of government, security agencies and citizens. Timely and credible information from the public remains indispensable to achieving lasting peace," the statement said.
The latest directive follows renewed attacks in parts of Zamfara State, where terrorists have continued to target rural communities despite ongoing military operations across the North-West.
Security analysts have repeatedly stressed that sustained military pressure, improved intelligence sharing and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities are essential to defeating insurgent and bandit groups operating across the region.
Residents of the affected states have welcomed the renewed directive, expressing hope that the intensified operations will significantly degrade the capabilities of the criminal groups and bring lasting security to communities that have endured years of violence.
The Federal Government has maintained that it will continue to deploy every lawful resource necessary to combat terrorism and ensure that those responsible for attacks on innocent citizens are brought to justice.
