A security expert Captain Bish Johnson has criticised Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for prioritising the 2027 elections over addressing the state’s banditry crisis.

In an interview on TVC, Johnson praised security agents for their capacity to tackle the issue, citing the recent elimination of notorious bandit kingpin Halilu Sububu. However, he expressed concern that Lawal’s politicization may hinder further progress.

The security expert lamented that Lawal has been using media outlets to attack his predecessor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence, falsely accusing him of fund misappropriation.

Johnson emphasized the need for synergy and the need to separate politics from security matters, allowing professionals to do their jobs.

He noted that Lawal’s 2027 electioneering campaign is premature and distracting him from governance.

“From what we have seen recently, it is very clear that our security agents can deal with security problems, particularly banditry in the northwest,” he said. 

“The elimination of Halilu Sububu who was a prominent figure in what is now known to be a syndicated commercialized economic crime. However, we need to address an issue which may derail the efforts of the security agents.

“The issue of mixing politics with insecurity. In the last few days, the Governor of Zamfara State Dauda Lawal has been on different media outlets, infusing politics into what is supposed to be a pure fight to secure the northwest from the bandits. 

“He’s been attacking his predecessor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence. The Minister would have been an added asset had the governor agreed to work in synergy with him.

“Rather, he has brought his 2027 electioneering campaign into 2024 by alleging that Matawalle either misappropriated or stole funds.  But we have done our independent research on this matter and found all these to be false.

“There is already a situation like this in the south-south, particularly in Rivers State where we have a sitting governor at loggerheads with his predecessor at a time they are supposed to be on the same page to continue on the momentum that was already on the ground. 

“We have to separate politics from security matters and allow professionals to do their jobs. The governor is bringing forward 2027 politics to 2024, there is time for everything. There is time for electioneering and there is time for governance. 

“Security agents need good roads and infrastructure to do their jobs. These are to be provided through governance by working with the central government and other stakeholders. “

.as Matawalle reinstates Tinubu’s resolve to wipe out terrorists

In a significant move to tackle the growing insecurity in the North-West region, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has arrived in Sokoto.

Matawalle is joined by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and other top military chiefs in a bid to boost troops’ morale and intensify the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

The Minister’s visit comes on the heels of his recent expression of sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States.

Matawalle assured the people of the region that the security forces would leave no stone unturned in their quest to flush out the bandits.

During his arrival, the Minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry in the region. He emphasised the government’s determination to restore peace and security to the affected areas.

The presence of the Minister and top military chiefs in the northwest is expected to bolster the troops’ morale and enhance their operational capabilities. The move is seen as a decisive step towards addressing the growing insecurity in the region.

More details later.

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), a civil society and pressure group, has lauded the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its innovative Agro-Rangers and Mining Marshals initiatives. These programs aim to boost Nigeria’s food security, protect farmers, and secure the country’s mining sector.

The Agro-Rangers Initiative, spearheaded by NSCDC Commandant-General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has deployed over 1,000 officers to safeguard farmers and their farmlands across the country, particularly in the northern states. This move has enabled farmers to cultivate and harvest their crops without fear of attacks from bandits and other criminal elements.

CWAI Executive Secretary Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele praised the NSCDC for its efforts, stating that the initiative has reduced insecurity in farming communities and increased food production. “The Agro-Rangers have been instrumental in mediating conflicts between farmers and herders, preventing malicious destruction of farmlands, and ensuring the safety of agricultural investments.”

In addition to the Agro-Rangers, the NSCDC has also launched the Mining Marshals program to combat illegal mining and promote economic growth. The Federal Government recently deployed an additional 350 marshals to enhance the operational effectiveness of the squad.

Since the inauguration of the marshals, over 200 illegal mining suspects have been arrested, with 135 prosecutions and confiscation of illegally mined resources. CWAI commended the NSCDC for its commitment to reforming the mining sector and generating revenue for the country.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, emphasized the importance of the Mining Marshals in sanitizing the sector and boosting investors’ confidence. “The deployment of additional operatives will intensify efforts against illegal miners nationwide and ensure the country reaps the full benefits of its solid minerals for economic development.”

The group stated that, Dr. Audi stressed the need for continuous training and deployments to ensure comprehensive coverage of the country’s vast mining areas. according to him “The NSCDC will not rest until the country is completely free from any form of insecurity.”

However, CWAI endorsed the initiatives, urging the Federal Government to provide adequate funding for training, capacity development, and manpower development of the Agro-Rangers and Mining Marshals.

“The populist approach of these initiatives will assist in fishing out hoodlums, rustlers, and bandits, promoting peaceful co-existence and economic growth,” Aigbegbele said.

The Agro-Rangers Initiative has been particularly effective in states plagued by banditry and insecurity, such as Benue and Borno. Farmers in these areas can now access their farmlands with confidence, thanks to the protection provided by the Agro-Rangers.

CWAI also noted that NSCDC’s collaboration with international organizations has bolstered efforts to safeguard agro-allied investments and boost the mining sector.

The organization pledged to support the NSCDC in its efforts to tackle bandits, herders, and illegal miners, promoting a safe and secure environment for all.

“NSCDC’s initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at diversifying the economy and promoting economic growth,” Aigbegbele said.