Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has ordered troops fighting insurgency in the North-West to intensify operations against terrorist groups following renewed attacks in parts of Zamfara State.
The directive comes after fresh violence in Bungudu and other communities, where armed attackers struck over the weekend.
Among the victims were police officers, while a local government chairman was kidnapped from his residence.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmed Dan Wudil, Matawalle expressed sympathy to families affected by the attacks and assured residents that the Federal Government remained determined to restore lasting peace across the region.
According to the statement, the minister directed troops under Operation Fansan Yamma and other military formations to sustain and expand ongoing offensives against terrorist groups.
He instructed commanders to work closely with other security agencies and intensify coordinated military operations across Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna states.
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Matawalle also ordered security forces to deploy every lawful means available to dismantle terrorist networks through what he described as “surgical operations without mercy.”
The minister urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence, especially on individuals suspected of supplying information, logistics or other forms of support to terrorist groups.
He further directed senior military commanders in flashpoint areas to strengthen surveillance and increase patrols to locate and destroy terrorist camps and safe havens before they could be used to launch fresh attacks.
Matawalle commended members of the Armed Forces and other security personnel for their commitment and sacrifices in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.
He particularly praised troops for recent operations that resulted in the killing of several terrorists in Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka and Tsafe in Zamfara State, as well as Faskari in Katsina State and other locations.
The minister encouraged the troops to maintain the pressure until terrorist activities are eliminated from the North-West and prayed for continued success in the military’s efforts to restore peace and stability across the region.