“Most of the Key Bandit Leaders Have Been Killed, What Remains Are Few Scattered Elements” – Defence Minister Matawalle

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has announced that most bandit leaders and their followers have been neutralised in the North-West, with only a few scattered elements remaining. He said President Bola Tinubu has directed troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to eliminate the remaining threats.

Matawalle made the remarks during a visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters, shortly after observing Juma’at prayers at the Command Mosque. According to a statement issued in Abuja by his Director of Information, Ibrahim Sule, the minister conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation for the troops’ courage, patriotism, and “remarkable successes in decimating bandit formations across the Northwest.”

“Most of the key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort. What remains now are a few scattered elements, and the Commander-in-Chief has directed that these remnants must be wiped out completely,” Matawalle told the soldiers. He also assured them of full support in logistics, equipment, welfare, and morale to complete the mission.

During the visit, Matawalle was briefed by Theatre Commander Major-General Warrah Bello Idris on recent operational achievements, including the neutralisation of high-value targets and the recovery of communities previously under bandit control. The minister commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism, calling their sacrifices “the bedrock of the gradual return of peace to Zamfara and neighbouring states.”

The visit coincided with reports that at least 25 students were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday morning. The attack by heavily armed bandits resulted in one staff member’s death and another injured, as the assailants engaged police officers on duty in a fierce gun battle around 4 a.m., according to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi.

Addressing soldiers on the parade ground, Matawalle urged them to maintain vigilance and discipline, insisting that total victory over banditry was within reach. “Your sacrifices will never be in vain. The President is proud of you, the nation is proud of you, and very soon, the people of this region will sleep with their two eyes closed,” he declared.