By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state has applauded successes by the Nigerian Military in both air and ground strikes against Boko-Haram/Armed bandits in some Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina communities, stating that only simultaneous and properly coordinated attacks can completely dislodge the group.
The Governor was however quick to observe that despite such efforts, it will be almost impossible to win the battle without first extending such simultaneous and properly coordinated onslaught against the bandits to neighboring states like Niger.
Governor Bello in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel-Berje, on Wednesday, regretted the recent attack in a mosque, leading to the loss of about 18 lives and the abduction of some people at Maza-Kuka and Kaboji in Mashegu Local Government Area which precipitated tension in the affected communities.
Sani Bello who is the Chairman North-Central States Governor's Forum (NCSGF) also condemned the abduction of no fewer than 30 travelers at Garun-Gabas in the Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
With the manner the modus-operandi of the armed men, Governor Bello suggested that only properly coordinated attacks simultaneously along the forest corridors of; Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi state will bring their nefarious activities to an end.
The statement observed that “When the armed bandits are overpowered in a particular state, they quickly regroup, re-mobilize and move to another state to continue their killings, abduction, maiming, and destruction of properties”.
Bello said offensives by the Nigerian Military in some Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna villages against the armed bandits forced the terror groups to move to some villages in Niger and Sokoto states. This, he said, is basically the reason why they are still very potent.
“The bandits run to other states once they feel the pressure of the military in a particular state. Look at what happened to us in Sokoto and Niger state recently. They invaded Niger state communities; Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi upon being overpowered in Kaduna state”.
With the existence of joint security collaborations in the affected states, Governor Bello said he is of the strong opinion that the best thing to do is to be ahead of the criminals by evolving strategies that will bring the siege to an end.
Governor Sani Bello however expressed optimism that the ongoing talks between Governors of the affected states and the Army Chiefs on how to carry out simultaneous military operations will bring an end to the activities of the miscreants.
While appealing to the affected communities to remain calm as the government is not resting until their security is guaranteed, Governor Bello urged them to provide credible intelligence information about the movements of the armed bandits to the security agencies without which the planned simultaneous military operation can not be successful.
The statement further indicates that “To stem the tide of activities of the criminals, we are talking with the military authorities and they are already taking urgent strategic overview of the situation in order to incorporate sustained battle against the armed bandits”, governor Bello said. NNL.