The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, on Thursday night reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to tackle banditry and insecurity in the country.

The Minister stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna as part of his official tour of the North-West zone.

The visit is aimed at finalising preparations for the launch of ‘Operation Fansan Yamma,’ a joint military theatre command established to tackle insecurity in the region.

Abubakar, while speaking to journalists shortly after the visit, emphasised the establishment of a Command and Control Centre in the Northwest zone as a crucial step in addressing the menace of banditry.

“The president has charged us to be innovative and find lasting solutions to this security problem. We’re working hard to ensure its success,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the government’s collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries, particularly Niger Republic, to combat terrorism and arms trafficking.

“We are working closely with the military, security agencies, and neighbouring countries to tackle terrorism, banditry, and arms trafficking. The Minister of State for Defence recently visited Sokoto to gather recommendations, and the Chief of Defence Staff met with the Nigerien government to discuss collaborative efforts,” Abubakar explained.

Regarding the security situation around Sokoto and its borders with Niger Republic, Abubakar acknowledged concerns but assured that the government was taking proactive measures to overcome the challenge.

“It’s a real concern, but we are not unaware of the situation. We are working hard to tackle it. The collaboration with Niger will help combat the movement of terrorists, arms, and ammunition,” he said.

Abubakar reassured Nigerians of the president’s commitment to ending insecurity across the country.

“The president is committed to ending insecurity in Nigeria. We’re working tirelessly to ensure peace and stability. I assure Nigerians that we’ll tackle these challenges, and by God’s grace, we’ll succeed,” the Minister said.

In his remarks, while welcoming the Minister, Governor Sani stressed the need for regional collaboration to tackle insecurity.

“We must establish a Command and Control Centre to coordinate our joint efforts against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements in our region. We must also amplify support to our security forces, enhance our localized intelligence systems, stimulate investment in agriculture and agri-business, expand rural infrastructure, broaden access to education and healthcare, and promote inclusivity among all our citizens,” he said.

Sani expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its commitment to addressing the multidimensional challenges of insecurity confronting the North-West Zone.

He also expressed concern over the debilitating effects of insecurity on the North-West Zone, including food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and increased poverty.

“We are grateful for the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the multidimensional challenges of insecurity confronting the North-West Zone. This initiative is timely and strategic, and we believe it will significantly improve food security, school enrollment, healthcare delivery, and the rural economy in general.

“Insecurity has had a debilitating effect on all facets of life in the North-West. Our zone, which is the food basket of Nigeria, now faces the challenge of food insecurity. Our people can not access health facilities. Most of our children are out of school due to the activities of criminals with scant regard for human life and dignity. Poverty has worsened. Fear pervades our zone,” he lamented.

However, the governor expressed optimism that the yet-to-be launched “Operation Fansan Yamma” would create an enabling environment for investments and economic growth in the zone.

“With this development, there will be significant improvements in food security, school enrollment, access to healthcare delivery services, and the rural economy in general. It will further create an enabling environment for investments, economic growth, and revival of infrastructural projects which were stalled due to insecurity,” he said.

The governor also suggested that Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna be reassigned to 1 Division in Kaduna instead of the 3rd Division, Jos in Plateau State for operational convenience.

“I suggest that Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna be reassigned to 1 Division in Kaduna for operational and administrative convenience,” he said.

Sani also commended progress on setting up Operation Safe Corridor (North-West) and stressed the need for a strong collaborative framework to tackle insecurity.

“We understand and appreciate the need for a strong collaborative framework towards tackling challenges of insecurity. We have nurtured a strong collaborative framework with security agencies, along with streamlined intelligence gathering and strategic coordination of security-related matters in Kaduna State,” he said.

He applauded President Bola Tinubu’s sustained support for the North-West Zone and expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, and Military High Command for their support.

“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s uncommon and sustained support to the North-West Zone. He has shown courage in adversity. We are grateful to him for always listening to us and taking practical steps to actualise our recommendations,” he added.

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