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The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru has lauded Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment and continued support to troops fighting banditry in Zamfara State.
The Minister spoke on Thursday when he visited the Zamfara Government House and the Joint Taskforce North-West Operation Fansar Yamma headquarters in Gusau.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the visit was part of efforts at enhancing collaboration between the state and the Ministry of Defence.
The statement added that the Minister discussed issues of concern as a follow-up to earlier visit to the Ministry in Abuja by Governors by Lawal and his Katsina State counterpart, Umaru Dikko Radda earlier in the week.
In his remarks, Lawal restated his administration’s willingness to cooperate with all security agencies to ensure a peaceful Zamfara.
Lawal said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Minister of Defence who is here today to discuss the security situation in Zamfara.
“Some few days ago, the Governor of Katsina State and I were in the Minister’s office at the Defence Ministry, where we discussed pressing security issues.
“You see that after two days, the Minister is here with us. This is commendable and a show of commitment from the Minister’s side.
“Zamfara is facing many security challenges but as a responsible government, we are all out to seek assistance, synergy and cooperation. We are committed to providing all assistance to the troops.
“We are taking this fight to the bandits because we won’t continue to remain on the defensive. What I have seen so far suggests that the banditry issue will become history, God willing.
“I have made commitments to the Minister. In addition, I have procured 10 bulletproof buffalo gun trucks for the Military. Other logistics are also in place and will be made available to the security forces to aid them in fighting banditry.
“If we could address the banditry challenges in Zamfara, 90 per cent of the problem would be solved.
“I appeal to the troops, especially the military, that we need them. I am confident they have what it takes to finish this fight.
“I am committed and I am with you. I thank you all, especially the Honourable Minister for creating time to be with us.”
Earlier, The Minister said the successes of the ongoing operation against bandits are linked to the continued support of Governor Lawal’s administration.
“We have started to see improvement, thanks to the support of His Excellency, the Governor of Zamfara State.
“He provided accommodation for the command, logistics, long-distance surveillance cameras, vehicles and fuel. He even supplied the troops with gun trucks. Your Excellency, we thank you,” the Minister said.
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