Following the dramatic heat-up of accusations between Bello Matawalle and Dauda Lawal, The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), posited to have commenced investigations into the allegations of bandit sponsorship in the north-west of the country.
The minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle, and Dauda Lawal – sitting governor of Zamfara state; have recently been in the news to have pelted allegations of bandit sponsorship at each other.
Dauda was challenged by Matawalle to swear by the Holy Qur’an that he was not involved in sponsoring bandits.
Without holding back, Lawal responded to have evidence against the minister, claiming he has reported the issue to Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA) preceding now.
While briefing the press yesterday, Thursday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, spoke on the military’s interest in the allegations.
Buba assured the public that relevant agencies are thoroughly investigating the matter, adding that the military remains focused on defeating banditry by breaking the resolve of the criminals.
“Winning a war is destroying the enemy’s will to fight. When you destroy the enemy’s will to fight, the war is over, you have won the war. And that’s why we are focused on destroying the enemy’s will to fight.”
Military’s Report On Ending Bandit Kinpins
Speaking about the military’s operations from July to September, Buba noted that 1,937 terrorists had been killed, including 65 key leaders.
“Troops’ offensive actions culminated in the neutralisation of over 65 notable terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants across all theatres of operations. Significant terrorist leaders were eliminated from the battlefield,” he said.
“The bandit leaders include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Matawal Bitrus, Thomas Benedict, Mohammed Sani, Rimamy (aka Omo), Terkimbi Injoko, Jacob Uzege, Ibn Kasir, Kachalla Ɗan Baleri, Kachallah Halilu Jimmare (Buzu), Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakarriya, and Ofem Igwe.”
Buba added that 2,782 suspected terrorists and other criminals were arrested, and 1,854 kidnapped hostages were rescued in the third quarter of 2024.
He said troops recovered 1,304 weapons and 43,347 rounds of ammunition.
He also noted that within the same period, crude oil worth N13 billion was recovered by the troops.
“Troops denied oil thieves of an estimated sum of over N13,081,605,534, 12,143,870 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,623,216 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,970 litres of DPK, and 31,450 litres of PMS amongst other items,”he said.
“Accordingly, the nation’s daily crude oil production output is at an all-time high, with the nation’s daily target in sight.”
