By Emeka Anyana
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 Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
In a statement issued by the President General of the forum, Yerima Shettima, the AYCF recognized the overwhelming response orchestrated by the current administration, reflecting a renewed commitment to restoring peace and security to the communities.
The forum noted that the North-West has been besieged by a terrifying surge in banditry, casting a pall of insecurity that has affected the daily lives of countless citizens. The relentless campaign of terror by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji Kachalla has involved extorting protection levies and inflicting grievous harm on innocent civilians.
The AYCF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking decisive action by mandating Minister Matawalle to lead intensified military operations aimed at dismantling Turji’s criminal enterprise. The forum believes that this redirection in military strategy is a vital step towards reclaiming the dignity and safety of the people.
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 the borders.
The AYCF 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.
The forum urged the troops to maintain this momentum and ensure the total eradication and capture of all criminal elements in the region. It expressed unfaltering confidence in Minister Matawalle’s ability to guide the military forces to victory against the scourge of banditry.
However, the AYCF emphasized the need to address the systemic issues that underlie banditry, noting that sustainable peace in the North-West requires comprehensive solutions that encompass socio-economic development and community engagement.
The forum urged President Tinubu’s administration to adopt a holistic approach that intertwines military action with equitable socio-economic development, investing in programs that empower local communities and restore faith in governance.
By doing so, the AYCF believes that the conditions that allow banditry to thrive can be mitigated, paving the way for sustainable peace and security in Nigeria’s North-West region.
Middle-Belt Times 