The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has issued a stern warning to informants aiding bandits, urging them to repent or face severe consequences.
He made this statement during an assessment visit to Gundumi village, as well as Isa and Sabon Birni local government areas of Sokoto State on Thursday.
Expressing concern over the sparsely populated village, the Minister lamented the drastic reduction in business activities in the area. “This place used to be lively with a lot of business activities.
I assure you it will bounce back. We are going to establish a military base here,” he promised.
However, Matawalle stressed the need for vigilance and a return to moral values. “You must fear God. Those who have been informing bandits about the movement of security operatives and betraying their brothers must desist immediately.
You better repent or we will send you back to your creator,” he warned.
During the launch of “Operation Fansan Yamma” on Wednesday, the Minister also called for nationwide support in the fight against banditry. “This fight is not for Matawalle, the Federal and State governments, or security agencies alone. It is for all Nigerians who care for the well-being of the country,” he emphasized.
Matawalle urged the media to play a pivotal role in countering the narratives pushed by bandits on social media. “Journalists have a greater role to play because bandits have been using social media for propaganda.
Our media houses must continue to report the successes of our gallant military in the fight against banditry and insurgency.”
He also highlighted the recent success of the military, stating, “Just recently, the military dealt a big blow to the miscreants by neutralizing a notorious bandits’ kingpin, Halidu Sububu, who was a major supplier of arms and ammunition. Other key figures have also been sent to early graves,” Matawalle added.
