Zamfara state governor, Bello Mohammad has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his immediate approval of Rapid Response Troops to fight banditry in the state.
The governor made the commendation when he granted audience to the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto and Commander Joint Task Force, North West Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General Uwem Bassey on Thursday.
He expressed appreciation for the deployment of 100 special forces to fight bandits in Zamfara forests, pointing out that the measure will end all forms of criminality in the state.
Muhammad said this was indicative that the president is concerned with the happenings in the state, especially the recent resurgence of kidnappings and killings of innocent people.
The governor said his administration will continue to give necessary assistance in terms of logistics and support to the Nigerian Army and all security agencies in order to achieve success in the fight against criminality in the state.
Muhammad described the posting of Bassey as a blessing to the North West zone considering his vast experience and talent at various war fronts.
He said he has since been praying for a talented and hardworking Army officer to be posted to 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, who will stand and secure the zone professionally so that the lingering armed banditry will be a thing of the past.
The governor urged the intelligence unit of the Nigerian Army, particularly the operation Hadarin Daji to redouble efforts in tracing and tracking of informants who are aiding banditry in the zone, and called for concerted working synergy between all security agencies so as to achieve success in the war fronts.
He also called for effective collaboration between the local vigilante Groups, Armed forces and other security agencies to achieve lasting peace.
Earlier, Bassey said they were at the Government House to inform the governor on his assumption as the new GOC.
He said the Division is in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina states and is professionally carrying out operation Hadarin Daji in the whole zone and dealing with all criminal elements.
Bassey told the governor that his mission is to secure the zone professionally from any form of criminal activities, especially the rate of kidnapping and killing of innocent people, noting that bandits and other criminal elements will continue to be dealt with in the area.
He commended the governor for his efforts in the area of security and assured that he will continue to support the Government security wise to contain insecurity in all the state.
