Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has commended the military for the ongoing onslaught targeted against known terrorists’ leaders, especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna States.
Matawalle gave the commendation despite a viral video showing bandits in their numbers celebrating Eid-El-Fitr in one of the mentioned states.
In a statement by the Director Information, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, the minister said the terrorists’ days were numbered, adding that the nation would once again begin to enjoy uninterrupted peace.
He further praised the military particularly, for the precise air strikes targeted at the terrorists’ strongholds in Zurmi, Gusau, and Maradun Local Government Areas resulting in the elimination of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their infrastructure.
Matawalle further commended the Armed Forces for the clearance exercise in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna.
He said “With prayers and support for our military, very soon the military will clear these states free from bandits’ attacks,” the minister said.
He also explained that the military successfully identified and neutralised the camps of prominent terrorist figures, Abdullahi Nasanda and Mallam Tukur.
“We appreciate and commend the untiring efforts of our gallant servicemen and women who participated in this operation with outmost dedication and precision,” he said.
He thanked all personnel involved in the operation and urged them to do more.
Matawalle also lauded the collaborative efforts of the nation’s intelligent agencies, as well as the local security partners in recent times.
He reiterated that the military was in a good and strong position to win the war against insurgency and terrorism.