Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has ordered the military to intensify counter-terrorism operations across the North-West following a fresh wave of attacks in Zamfara State.
The directive was issued on Sunday in a statement by his spokesperson, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, as the minister condoled with victims, particularly in Bungudu Local Government Area and other affected communities.
Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace in the region, despite the recent surge in violence. He instructed the leadership of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain ongoing offensives in coordination with other security agencies.
He also directed military formations operating in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states to escalate operations using all lawful measures, including targeted strikes on terrorist elements.
The minister called on traditional rulers and community leaders to support security efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence on suspected collaborators.
In addition, senior military commanders were tasked with strengthening surveillance and increasing patrols to identify and dismantle terrorist camps and hideouts before further attacks are launched.
Matawalle commended the Armed Forces for recent successes, including the neutralization of several terrorists in Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka, Tsafe, and Faskari, urging troops to sustain the momentum until peace is fully restored in the region.
