As the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies in the country fight hard to end insurgency activities across the six geopolitical zones, the Emir of Kotorkashi in Zamfara State, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmad Umar, has stated that the massive illegal mining of gold and other resources is responsible for the unending menace of armed banditry in the North West region.
The monarch, who made this statement while hosting a team of Defence Correspondents led by Brigadier General Mohammed Dahiru Abumawashi, the Deputy Director Coordination of Media Operations, attributed many factors fueling the menace in the region, especially in Zamfara State.
The Traditional Ruler lamented that the situation had escalated due to the large deposits of gold and other mineral resources, which had attracted both domestic and foreign interests.
According to him, “the challenge of insecurity in Zamfara state and Northern Nigeria is largely caused by the disagreement between Fulanis and Hausas over cattle rearing,” pinpointing a longstanding tension, but the presence of gold and other mineral resources has changed the narrative with the involvement of foreigners with selfish agendas.
He expressed concern over the complicity of foreign collaborators in exacerbating the security crisis in the North, emphasizing the need for transparency in addressing the issue.
While insisting that he would continue to speak out his mind on the insecurity in the area, he condemned the cycle of violence, stating, “Our people have been killed, and other Nigerians have also been killed.”
He lamented the vicious cycle of retaliation, noting, “The more security agencies kill the armed Fulanis, the more their numbers increase.”
He cited incursions from neighboring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso, advocating the dire need for concerted efforts to stem the tide of violence and exploitation in the region.
The Traditional Ruler advised that to end banditry in Nigeria, there must be equality among Nigerians, lamenting that the poor have been denied basic necessities of life by the political class.
According to him, “some politicians without university degrees earn far more than graduates and even soldiers who sacrifice comfort for the country.”
“The resources of the country are not evenly distributed among the citizens. The gap between the political class and ordinary citizens is too wide.”
The leader of the team, Brigadier General Mohammed Dahiru Abumawashi, the Deputy Director Coordination of Media Operations, in his remarks, commended the monarch for his fatherly roles in ensuring the safety of his subjects and collaboration with the troops in his domain.
Abumawashi assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would not shy away from its responsibility in protecting the citizens from external aggression.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, and Commander, Joint Taskforce (North West) Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD), Major General Godwin Mutkut, earlier upon arrival of the team in Sokoto, had said the troops were now confronting the bandits in their enclaves within the region.
ALSO READ: Be firm in fight against oil theft, Fubara charges Naval Chief
He identified some of the pressing challenges impeding successful military operations against banditry and other sundry crimes in the North West.
While answering questions from newsmen, General Mutkut also revealed that they know all the enclaves bandits are hiding, adding that “no military in the world has enough logistics to go into battle, and we face the same issue.”
He wished they had enough men who can stand and enough platforms to confront the bandits.
Another challenge, Mutkut disclosed, was the size of the military.
According to him, “Another challenge is the size of our military; I think we need more men, and efforts are being made to ensure we have more men. The complaint now, if you interview the soldiers, they will tell you they have overstayed, but the good thing is we are rotating them.”
“Overall, it’s a matter of sacrifice; challenges can arise, but it’s how we surmount those obstacles that make us a civilized military. Challenges are part of every institution.”
Speaking further, he revealed that, “We know where all the bandits are, we know all those enclaves, we know that the bandits dig up places and hide there whenever the aircraft is passing.”
The next leg of the visit took the team to Gusau, Zamfara State, the location of the Headquarters of Operation HADARIN DAJI, where the team engaged with local communities to gain insights into the impact of military operations in their areas and assess the sentiments of the local population.
The media outreach visit aimed to provide the Defence Correspondents with firsthand experiences and insights into the operational activities and impact of the military in the region. It also served as an opportunity to foster greater understanding and communication between the military and the media.
and then