Following the recent wave of terrorist assaults in Zamfara State, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged the military to step up existing counter-terrorism operations throughout the North-West.
Matawalle issued the decision while condoling with the victims of the attacks, particularly those from Bungudu Local Government Area and other impacted villages.
The minister’s opinion was expressed in a statement made on Sunday by his spokeswoman, Ahmad Dan-Wudil.
According to the statement, Matawalle underlined the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and increasing security in the region, despite the recent surge in terrorist assaults.
He instructed the leadership of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to continue the onslaught against terrorists in coordination with other security agencies operating in the impacted areas.
The minister also directed Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other military formations involved in counter-terrorism operations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states to step up their operations by taking every legal measure to eliminate terrorist activities through targeted military actions.
He also urged members of the public, particularly traditional rulers and community leaders, to assist security forces by providing timely and credible intelligence on those working with terrorists or providing information used to carry out attacks.
Matawalle also asked top military commanders in high-risk areas to beef up surveillance and patrols in order to discover and destroy terrorist camps, hideouts, and safe havens before they could be utilised to launch further attacks.
The minister praised the Armed Forces and other security officers for their professionalism and sacrifices, citing recent operations that resulted in the elimination of numerous terrorists in Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka, Tsafe, Faskari, and other sites.
He urged troops to maintain the momentum of existing operations and apply pressure on terrorist groups until peace and security were fully restored in the afflicted states.