Federal Government says it understands the seriousness of the security challenges facing the country, promising to end insecurity before the end of next year.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, gave this assurance in an interview with BBC Hausa.
Matawalle added that the government was adopting a proactive approach to combat bandits before they struck, particularly in the troubled North.
“Godwilling, from now to the November of 2024, all security challenges will be overcomed,” Matawalle said.
The Minister said that the measures and strategies being taken would end the menace, adding that the measures include pre-empting the gunmen in their homes before they attack and crush them.
Since his defeat in the gubernatorial election in Zamfara State, Matawalle, started feud with the governor who succeeded him, Dr. Dauda Lawan Dare of PDP, over allegations of corruption and embezzlement of state funds.
The minister said that despite the magnitude of the security challenges of the state, “the governor of the state has never contacted me and Badaru or asked to meet with us on the security of his state”.
Matawalle added that many Governors, whose states are suffering from insecurity, were cooperating with the Federal Government to overcome it.
He added, “Therefore, I am calling on my governor to seek the cooperation of the security forces and the federal government because he cannot do the job alone.
“He should not mind what is between me and him, he should mind the people of Zamfara State. Put aside all politics and let’s unite to find a solution for the state.”