Posted by The proposal by Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the state minister of defense, to strategically deploy the military to Sokoto State has received support from some northern parties.
A number of northern Nigerian groups have voiced their support for the decision to step up joint military operations against bandits in the states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi. These include the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), the Northern Awareness Network (NAN), and the North West Solidarity Forum (NWSF).
The group said in separate statements released by AYCF President General Yerima Shettima, NAN Chairman Salihu Suleiman, and NWSF Spokesperson Tanimu Danlawal that the safety and socio-economic stability of northern Nigeria have been threatened by violence, criminality, and insurgency, and that a decisive action is urgently needed.
“The AYCF admits that restoring safety and security requires effective implementation of this military strategy,” the group stated, referring to the difficulties caused by ongoing violence and criminality. To ensure the safety of its members and the integrity of their communities, the group has consistently backed policies that do just that.
Under the pretense of disinformation, opposition, or excessive skepticism, we demand that the federal authorities promptly apprehend and punish such voices.
To prevent polarizing narratives and safeguard efforts for social development and security, they demanded that governmental and non-governmental groups work together to promote open and productive discourse.