Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the North-West region.
According to a statement by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle’s Personal Assistant on Media, the Minister made this declaration during an extensive security assessment tour of the region on Thursday.
The tour is part of the government’s strategic initiatives to combat the escalating insecurity in the area.
During a visit to Gundumi village, Matawalle addressed the local community concerning the prolonged closure of the Gundumi-Isa road, which has been shut down due to security concerns.
He assured residents that the road would be reopened promptly, and a military camp would be established along the route to bolster security, thereby enabling the resumption of normal economic activities in the region.
“The President is fully committed to ending insecurity in Northern Nigeria, and we are here to ensure that no stone is left unturned”, he said.
After his visit to Gundumi, Matawalle continued to Isa Local Government Area, where he received a warm reception from the Chairman, Sharifu Abubakar Kamarawa, and the Emir of Isa, alongside local elders and council members.
Accompanying him were Sokoto State Deputy Governor Idris Gobir, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, and senior military officers.
Matawalle urged the people of Isa to remain vigilant and to work closely with security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence. In response, the Chairman expressed gratitude for the visit and pledged the local government’s full support.
Matawalle then travelled to the village of Turba, engaging directly with residents and assuring them of the imminent deployment of additional military personnel to strengthen security.
During his journey to Sabon Birni, the Minister made a stop at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Sabon Birni, where he addressed the troops, praising their resilience and dedication to defending the nation.
He assured them that their welfare and logistical needs would be addressed promptly and urged them to remain focused and determined in their ongoing operations.
Upon arriving in Sabon Birni, Matawalle was greeted by Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu, the Chairman of Sabon Birni LGA, at the local government secretariat.
He appealed to the local community to actively support the military and offer prayers for the troops who continue to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s defence.
He further assured the residents of plans to establish a military base between Sabon Birni and Tsamaye to bolster regional security.
Recognising the toll of banditry, Matawalle also visited several villages severely affected by insecurity, including Hawan Duro and Mai Lalle.
In these communities, many residents had been displaced. The Minister conducted a thorough assessment of the situation and pledged the deployment of additional military forces, offering hope to the displaced residents that they would soon be able to return to their homes.
In Goronyo LGA, the Minister was welcomed by the Chairman, Zubairu Yari, and other local officials. Matawalle reiterated the federal government’s commitment to establishing military camps along critical routes, particularly the Kwanar Mahalba-Goronyo axis.
He acknowledged the vital support provided by the Sokoto State Government, especially in supplying operational vehicles to enhance military operations in the region.
Throughout his tour, Matawalle emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security across Northern Nigeria and the entire nation.
He highlighted the appointment of key northerners to critical defence roles—Ministers of Defence, National Security Adviser, Ministers of Police Affairs, and the Chief of Defence Staff—underscoring the President’s determination to achieve lasting security in the region.
The Minister expressed deep appreciation for the military personnel involved in ongoing operations, stressing that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
“The efforts of our troops are deeply appreciated by the entire nation”, he stated, while urging communities to remain cooperative with security agencies in the collective fight against insurgency and banditry.
Matawalle’s security tour in Sokoto underscores the federal government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace in the North-West.
The deployment of additional troops and the establishment of new military bases signal a decisive effort to combat banditry, offering renewed hope to the residents of Sokoto and neighbouring states for a more secure and stable future.
