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Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has called on the Nigerian military to eradicate bandits who have kept threatening the safety of lives and property in the state.
Speaking during an unscheduled visit to the troops at their camp in Yauri, where he commended the soldiers for their gallantry and commitment to duty, Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support and enabling environment for security agencies to operate effectively.
He said security was a collective responsibility and called on state governments to remain active stakeholders in supporting the federal government to secure vulnerable communities and create an environment where farmers could safely return to their farms.
“The issue of security is the responsibility of all. State governments must be active stakeholders in support of the federal government to secure volatile areas, making them safe to allow farmers to go back and cultivate their farms.
“Bandits are trying to embarrass us. They are coming to attack our people. The security agencies must wipe away these bandits, and the capability of the military should come to bear.
“Nigeria’s military has the professional ability, as it has exhibited in peacekeeping operations in other parts of the world. I have confidence in you,” governor Idris declared.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for deploying additional military units to the state to strengthen the fight against banditry.
The governor said the deployment of additional troops had answered the state government’s call for increased military presence in the affected areas.
“I’m happy about your performance. The Chief of Army Staff, supported by the military hierarchy, has answered our prayers by sending you here to Kebbi.
“Your presence will complement the operations of other security services.
“The Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski axis is experiencing incursions by bandits from neighbouring states of Niger, Zamfara and Kwara,” he added.