By Zailani Bappa, Gusau

Governor Bello MOHAMMED (Matawallen Maradun) has announced that the state Government will distribute 200 Hilux Jeeps and 190 Motorcycles to Security operatives in the state to support the war against banditry and terror.

Dr Bello Matawalle made this announcement while inspecting a cache of arms and ammunitions willingly surrendered by repentant bandits to the Nigerian Army in the state.

Governor Matawalle swiftly paid an unscheduled visit to the Force Headquarters of Operation Hadarin Daji in Gusau, Zamfara State on receipt of the news of the recovery of some weapons by troops of the operation from bandits hitherto operating in the State.

The Governor, who was received by the Force Commander OPHD and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Aminu Bande was at the Force Headquarters to receive the recovered weapons as well as some other items captured by troops.

The surrendered weapons include 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 3 Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifles and 1 AK-47 rifle while troops captured a total of 14 AK 47 rifles and 10,000 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) Ammunition.

Governor Matawalle commended the resilience of the Nigerian Army and he promised to continue to support them in the fight against banditry which now includes a carrot and Stick policy.

He lauded the Force Commander, General Mande, for his dynamic leadership since assuming command of the operation. He also acknowledged the tremendous support of the Military to the overall peace achieved in the state especially the concerted efforts of the Operation Hadarin Daji.

The Force Commander appreciated His Excellency for the immense support given to the military in the state in the course of carrying out its constitutional responsibilities of securing the state. According to General Bande, “the support of the State Government was central to the creation of an enabling environment for the military to operate effectively in the state.”

He lauded the Governor for his unquantifiable support towards the successes being recorded by the Operation in the state. In particular, he praised the magnanimity of the state in providing logistics, including the present location of the Force Headquarters which hitherto served as the Zamfara State Presidential Lodge, amongst others.

He then, assured that Operation Hadarin Daji would not relent on its oars until armed banditry was totally crushed and peace was fully restored to the state. He also warned recalcitrant bandits to immediately lay down their arms and key into the ongoing peace initiative of the Zamfara State Government or face decisive military action.

Zailani Bappa is Governor Matawalle’s Special Adviser, Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications.