The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has commended the recent strides made in the fight against banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region, particularly under the strategic leadership of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
A statement issued by the President General of the forum Yerima Shettima says, in a period marked by considerable fear and violence, largely instigated by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji Kachalla, the forum recognizes the overwhelming response orchestrated by the current administration, reflecting a renewed commitment to restoring peace and security to our communities.
He noted that in recent months, the Northwest has been besieged by a terrifying surge in banditry, casting a pall of insecurity that has affected the daily lives of countless citizens, adding that Turji’s relentless campaign of terror, which has involved extorting protection levies and inflicting grievous harm on innocent civilians, underscores a critical moment in our national discourse on security.
"It is, therefore, commendable that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken decisive action by mandating Minister Matawalle to lead intensified military operations aimed at dismantling Turji's criminal enterprise.
"This redirection in military strategy is not merely a tactical maneuver but a vital step towards reclaiming the dignity and safety of our people. The military's recent engagement with bandits has signified a departure from previous operations, showcasing a newfound tenacity reminiscent of earlier engagements when the military acted without the reticence brought on by media scrutiny".
AYCF further said, under Matawalle’s guidance, the troops have risen to the occasion, confronting banditry not as faceless adversaries but as defenders of honor tasked with the noble duty to restore peace within our borders.
The AYCF said it firmly believes that the government's renewed dedication to total disarmament, demobilization, and reconstruction of affected areas is both timely and critical. The proactive measures taken thus far have already resulted in the displacement of bandit elements, an encouraging indication of the military's resolve, Shettima said.
"We urge the troops to maintain this momentum and ensure the total eradication and capture of all criminal elements in the region. We have unfaltering confidence in Minister Matawalle's ability to guide our military forces to victory against the scourge of banditry.
"It is crucial, however, to heed the insights of military leaders such as General Christopher Musa, who remind us that banditry should not be viewed merely as the actions of deranged individuals. This mindset oversimplifies a multifaceted crisis and fails to address the systemic issues that underlie banditry.
"While our military's concerted efforts can suppress bandit activities in the short term, sustainable peace in the North-West requires comprehensive solutions that encompass socio-economic development and community engagement—an approach equally as vital as military intervention.
"The emergence of banditry in our region is symptomatic of years of neglect, marginalization, and limited access to resources. As such, President Tinubu’s military mobilization efforts should not stand in isolation; they must be accompanied by robust strategies aimed at addressing the socio-economic disparities that have contributed to this vicious cycle of violence.
"By investing in programs that empower local communities and restore faith in governance, we can mitigate the conditions that allow banditry to thrive.
While we commend the significant strides made in the military's fight against Bello Turji and his cohorts, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to adopt a holistic approach that intertwines military action with equitable socio-economic development.
"Together, these efforts will pave the way for sustainable peace and security in Nigeria’s Northwest region, ensuring that our communities flourish rather than merely survive in the shadow of violence".
The Forum said it stands ready to support these initiatives and is committed to fostering dialogue, peace, and development within our communities.
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