NEWISSUESBY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
Citizens of Sokoto State have expressed satisfaction with the Federal government directive for an immediate relocation of the nation's apex security architecture to the State.
The locals who expressed optimism that a near end in the heinous activities of bandits and other criminal elements in the region is now insight, further appealed to patriotic citizens of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina and the neighbouring country of Republic of Niger to cooperate with the security agencies.
In line with the plea, some locals from Tangaza local government of the state has confirmed the occupation of certain forest by bandits in their areas.
One of the locals who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said these bandits have so far gathered over 7000 herds of cows and camels in the Bauni forest under Tangaza local government.
According to him, Bauni forest shares border with Tafoka, Magoji, Gidan Tsamiya and Braima villages all in the Republic of Niger.
“”Yes, they are there. And they often come to buy things from the town with their weapon strap to their backs. These bandits have been there for some time now.
“”They rustle livestock from different parts of the northwestern states and herd them to Bauni forest in attempt to cross over to Republic of Niger.
“”I can assure you that there are over 7000 cows and hundred of other livestock with them at the moment. Their target is to cross over to other African country through Republic of Niger but it has been very difficult for them because of the Niger Republic watertight surveillance and security presence in their borders”.
While decrying that a good percentage of the people of Sokoto Eastern Senatorial District has been forced to abandon their homes for fears of attacks, he added that
over 90 percent of the villages now live in perpetual fears of the unknown each passing day as the bandits can storm villages at will and perpetuate evils unchallenged.
Speaking on the development, a security personnel who begged not to be mentioned said, routing out the bad elements from the various bushes in the region would not take them more than a month if the needed support and orders is being given.
According to him, the Nigeria Army, (Air force, Navy, Soldier) and even other sister security agencies like the Police, DSS, NSCDC in collaboration with local vigilantee should be ordered to deploy full scale kinetic approach against these bad elements.
“It is high time, the leaders of Nigeria stop window dressing. These terrorists have been so pampered that they are feeling so untouchable. By the time a full scale kinetic approach is deployed against them and such heavy fire power sustained within one week, these bandits, terrorists and kidnappers will be forced to surrender to the authority”.
I continue to imagine, why it seems the Nigeria Security is helpless against these bandits, kidnappers and terrorists when they are rated amongst the very best for their bravery in peace missions to other countries? The amazed security personnel queried.
