INSECURITY: Matawalle’s Masterstroke
By: Abdulaziz Adamu
It has been vitally obvious that the entire northwestern states of the country have been swamped by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom which has thwarted local business, farming, and other sustainable and lawful engagements. Governors of the affected states have been battling with the severe and unbearable impacts of the menace, adopting various policies and strategies yet, the criminal elements get emboldened by the day.
But the recent resolution by the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence (CDS) and other critical resources to the Northwest, Nigeria’s fight against banditry has witnessed remarkable success. This strategic move has bolstered the morale of security forces, increased coordination, and led to several key victories, cementing the government’s commitment to restoring peace in the region.
One of the most significant milestones was the elimination of Kachalla Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit warlord who met his Waterloo in a military ambush in Sokoto state last week. Sububu, a symbol of terror in the region, was responsible for countless attacks and kidnappings that destabilised communities and crippled local economies. His death alongside many of his fighters marks a watershed in the ongoing battle against banditry, providing relief to the terrorised populace and serving as a major victory for the Nigerian military. He was the major supplier of weaponry to all the camps of the kidnappers, including Bello Turji.
Similarly, the killing of another infamous bandit leader and ally of Halilu Sububu, Kachalla Makore, along with several of his fighters in Zamfara State yesterday, has further solidified the impact of these efforts. Makore, who took over after the elimination of Kachalla Damuna, was responsible for years of terror in the Dangulbi area of Maru Local Government. His reign of terror has now come to an end, thanks to the tireless operations of the Nigerian Army.
No doubt, these successes not only demonstrate the effectiveness of the military strategy under President Tinubu’s leadership but also dispel the unfounded claims that Dr. Bello Matawalle is sympathetic to bandits. On the contrary, his decisive role in the defence strategy has been instrumental in turning the tide against criminal elements in Zamfara and the entire Northwest region. The Zamfara state government’s allegations that the former governor hobnobbed with bandits have been effectively countered by the ongoing security victories, which are a direct result of policies and actions which many insiders believe may have been conceptualized or initiated by the erstwhile governor of Zamfara state.
In his recent interview with press men, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state on Carrier and Security Matters, Colonel Abdul Ahmad (rtrd) has said that the Matawalle’s led operation has started yielding results. In his statement, the presence of the Ministry, along with other high-ranking military officers in the operation had renewed the confidence of the affected residents. So, while Nigerians are celebrating, it’s unfortunate and unholy for some disgruntled elements to politised the operation in spite of it’s significant in liberating the zone from the heinous activities of the daredevil criminals.
No matter, the positive impact of Matawalle’s involvement in the current wave of successes can’t be overemphasized. His understanding of the security landscape, having served as the Governor of Zamfara State, has provided valuable insights that are now yielding fruit. His commitment to the military efforts is a testament to his dedication to bringing peace to the region, contrary to any suggestions that he ever “romanced” bandits. The ongoing military successes prove that the security insights gathered during his tenure as governor are being fully leveraged to bring lasting peace to the state.
It was indeed this knowledge of the Northwest and workings of bandits that President Tinubu relied on to appoint both Badaru and Matawalle as minister of defence and Minister of state for defence respectively. This understanding is now yielding fruits and should be reason enough for all who doubted Matawalle’s impact to bury their heads in shame.
As the Nigerian Army continues to secure victory after victory, the nation’s confidence in its defence forces grows stronger. The recent eliminations of bandit leaders like Sububu and Kachalla Makore serve as crucial steps toward eradicating the banditry scourge once and for all. With each triumph, the morale of both soldiers and civilians is lifted, bringing hope for a peaceful and prosperous future.
We must continue to pray for the success of our gallant soldiers, who risk their lives daily to ensure our safety. Any individual or group that casts doubt on these achievements, or is pessimistic about the progress being made, should be seen as an enemy of peace. Our collective efforts as a nation must remain focused on supporting the military and defence leadership as they work to rid the Northwest of banditry and restore security across the region.
Indeed, under the leadership of President Tinubu, with the support of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and the defence chiefs, Nigeria is on the path to reclaiming its territories from the grip of bandits. The elimination of these notorious criminals is just the beginning, and with continued commitment, the final victory.
Adamu writes from Abuja
