Banditry: Why We Won’t Engage in War of Words with Zamfara Governor — DHQ

Banditry: Why We Won’t Engage in War of Words with Zamfara Governor — DHQ

The Military high Command on Thursday has declined to respond to Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal criticising the military’s efforts in combating banditry in the state.

Governor Lawal, in a recent interview on Channels TV had accused the military and police of being ineffective in tackling the menace, leading to the establishment of a state security outfit.

However, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations,  during a media briefing in Abuja said that winning the war against banditry requires cooperation from the Governor and the people of Zamfara state.

He stressed that the military cannot succeed without citizens support.

“Without the Governor and the people of Zamfara state’s cooperation, the war on banditry can never be won,” he said.

He said,  “The military will not join issues with the Governor, rather we choose the part of cooperation over conflict with the state Governor and look forward to constructively engage with him on these matters.

“Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji deployed to Zamfara State have lost 9 personnel so far in the month of June 2024.

“These soldiers killed in action are a painful testament of our tireless efforts, commitment and sacrifice to restoring peace and security in the state.”

He added that nevertheless, the allegations against the military and security forces operating in the state really needs to be analysed impartially and understood.

The situation underscores the fact that, winning the war without the support of the people of the state is close to impossible.

“Interestingly, despite the state being described as the epicentre of kidnapping. The state has no internal security operation outfit to coordinate activities of security agencies operating in the state, as is found in other states. This situation leaves much to be desired.”

Recalled that the Zamfara State Police Commissioner, Muhammad Dalijan, recently announced arrest of a state legislator and a former council chairman for alleged involvement in banditry aligns with the military’s claims of official complicity in the crisis.

By PRNigeria