In a resolute stance against the growing menace of bandits and deadly criminals plaguing Nigeria, the Nigerian Army has pledged to eliminate these threats, citing the failure of past negotiation attempts to yield substantial results.
During a press conference held at the 1 Brigade Cantonment in Gusau, Major General Godwin Mutkut, the General Officer Commanding of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security.
He however, emphatically declared that no negotiations would be entertained with those who jeopardize the country’s stability, urging terrorists and bandits, particularly in the Northwestern region, to surrender unconditionally.
General Mutkut expressed skepticism toward negotiations, pointing out that they had proven futile in the past.
He further emphasized that the bandits had not sought negotiations before retreating into their hideouts and should not expect leniency now that the military’s operations were intensifying. Instead, he firmly demanded their immediate surrender.
“The military will not engage in bargaining with the bandits but will relentlessly pursue them in their lairs to ensure their complete elimination,” General Mutkut
The Nigerian Army has intensified its operations in troubled areas of Zamfara State, including Zurmi, Shinkafi, Tsafe, Dansadau, and other regions afflicted by banditry.
By effectively flushing out the criminals from their hideouts, the army has dealt a blow to their operations and instilled a sense of security among the populace.
“While there are still areas to be reached, we are resolutely marching forward despite the rain, inflicting heavy losses on the bandits. Their only viable option for survival is to surrender,” General Mutkut declared.
The bandits have resorted to targeting soft targets, particularly unarmed civilians on roads and in villages. To address this concern, General Mutkut directed Zamfara State’s District Heads and local communities to organize groups capable of protecting their areas, in anticipation of distress calls before the army’s arrival.
With the Nigerian Army intensifying its operations and adopting a firm no-negotiation policy, the focus remains on dismantling the criminal networks that have caused immense suffering to the Nigerian people. The determination to restore peace and security across the nation remains unwavering.
