President Bola Tinubu has told Nigerian Army troops that his administration will fully back them in their efforts to crush armed bandits across the country.
The President revealed this on Tuesday in Sokoto, while addressing troops from Operation Hadarin Daji at the 8th Division Headquarters in Sokoto State.
The president, represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who was accompanied by the Chief of Defence State, General Christopher Musa, expressed his deep concern for the country’s security.
He said,
“We are here in Sokoto State on the instructions of President Tinubu, who directed the Ministry of Defence with all its artillery to come to Sokoto and review the operations.
“The President is worried about what is happening in the Northwest, he called me and the Chief of Defence staff while he was in China to immediately suspend whatever we are doing and come down to Sokoto.
“He said we should come and supervise the operation of our troops currently going on in the Northwest, under the leadership of Operation Hadarin Daji, to see our troops, to review the operations, and to make sure that all their needs are provided so that they can go and fight those criminals.”
He added,
“Nigeria is not a banana Republic, Nigeria is a country that governs by the Constitution, and you all know Mr President knows the problem of the North and that is why he appoints his security team from the North, including myself and the Defence Minister.
“He gave us this responsibility because he knows our major problem is security.
“The President carefully selected northerners and appointed them into key positions. Look at me, I am from Zamfara state, and the Chief of Defence is from Kaduna State. The Minister of Defence, Badaru is from Jigawa state; the National Security Adviser is from Adamawa state while the Minister of State for Police Affairs is also from the north.”
Matawalle also addressed troops, asking them not to be distracted by recent events in the state, presumably referring to the deaths of four soldiers and the destruction of two MRAPs by Bello Turji-led bandits.
“Do not be discouraged by the recent incidences. The GOC will be given good support.
” I urge you to keep on doing a good job. We are here to support you to flush out bandits and criminals in this zone,” he said
Matawalle also paid visits to wounded soldiers injured in action at the hospital, assuring them that the Federal Government is with them during these tough times.