By Correspondent in Minna.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state has applauded successes by the Nigerian Military in air and ground strikes against Boko-Haram/Armed bandits in some Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina communities,observing that only simultaneous and properly coordinated attacks coukd completely dislodge the group.
The Governor was however quick to observe that despite such efforts, it would be almost impossible to win the battle without first extending such simultaneous and properly coordinate onslaught against the group to neighbouring states like Niger.
Governor Bello, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel-Berje in Minna, regretted the recent attack in a mosque, leading to loss of about 18 lives and the abduction of some people at Maza-kuka and Kaboji in Mashegu Local Government Area of the state,thereby raising tempers 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 travellers at Garun-Gabas in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
With 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 would bring their nefarious activities to an end.
The Governor 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 were 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 states recently. They invaded Niger state communities; Shiroro, Munya and Rafi, upon being overpowered in Kaduna state”.
Governor Bello expressed optimism that With the existence of joint security collaborations in the affected states, 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 their siege to an end.
Governor Sani Bello also expressed the hópe that ongoing talks between Governors of the affected states and the Army Chiefs, on how to carry out simultaneous military operations, would bring an end to the activities of the miscreants.
While appealing to the affected communities to remain calm, adding that the state government was not resting until their security is guaranteed, Governor Bello urged them to provide credible intelligence about the movements of the armed men and bandits to the security agencies to bóost the desired success of the planned simultaneous military operation.
He said that “to stem the criminalities, 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”.
