The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has directed the military to intensify efforts to rescue the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, and members of his family abducted by terrorists.
Matawalle gave the directive in a statement on Sunday while condoling with the people of the Bungudu Emirate and the Zamfara State Government over the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Bungudu and other communities across the state.
The Theatre Command of Operation Fansan Yamma had confirmed that the council chairman and members of his family were kidnapped from their residence in the early hours of Saturday.
The military operation also disclosed that four persons, including two police officers attached to the chairman, his security aide and a vigilante, were killed during the attack.
Reacting to the incident, Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and improving security across the North-West despite renewed attacks by terrorist groups.
He directed the leadership of Operation Fansan Yamma and other security agencies to sustain the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the region.
“I direct the leadership of Operation Fansan Yamma to remain steadfast and relentless in the ongoing fight against terrorism alongside other security agencies operating in the affected areas,” the minister said.
He further ordered all military formations involved in counter-terrorism operations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna states to intensify offensive operations against terrorists.
According to him, security operatives should deploy every lawful and necessary measure to dismantle terrorist networks through targeted military operations.
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Matawalle also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence capable of exposing individuals who collaborate with terrorists by providing information or logistical support for attacks.
He directed senior military commanders in the most volatile operational areas to strengthen surveillance, increase patrols and identify and destroy terrorist hideouts and safe havens before they can be used to launch further attacks.
The minister commended the Armed Forces and other security personnel for what he described as their gallantry and professionalism in recent operations that reportedly neutralised several high-profile and low-profile terrorists in Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka, Tsafe, Faskari and other locations.
He urged troops to sustain the offensive until terrorism is completely eradicated across all affected parts of the country.
