Deployment of military top brass to Sokoto hailed as bandits camp over 7000 stolen cows, other livestock in forest
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
Citizens of Sokoto State have expressed satisfaction with the Federal government directive for an immediate relocation of the nation’s apex security architecture to the State.
The locals, who expressed optimism that a near end in the heinous activities of bandits and other criminal elements in the region is now in sight, further appealed to patriotic citizens of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina and the neighbouring Niger Republic to cooperate with the security agencies to end the reign of terror in the region.
In line with the plea, some residents of Tangaza local government of Sokoto state have confirmed the occupation of a forest in their area by bandits.
One of the locals, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the bandits have so far gathered over 7000 herds of cattle and camels in the Bauni forest under Tangaza local government.
According to him, Bauni forest shares border with Tafoka, Magoji, Gidan Tsamiya and Braima villages all in the Republic of Niger.
“Yes, they are there. And they often come to buy things from the town with their weapons strapped to their backs. These bandits have been there for some time now.
“They rustle livestock from different parts of the northwestern states and herd them to Bauni forest in attempt to cross over to Republic of Niger.
“I can assure you that there are over 7000 cows and hundreds of other livestock with them at the moment. Their target is to cross over to other African countries through Republic of Niger but it has been very difficult for them because of the Niger Republic watertight surveillance and security presence in their borders”.
While decrying the fact that a good percentage of the people of Sokoto Eastern Senatorial District have been forced to abandon their homes for fear of attacks, he added that over 90 percent of the villagers now live in perpetual fear of the unknown each passing day as the bandits storm villages at will and perpetuate evils unchallenged.
Speaking on the development, a security personnel who begged not to be mentioned said, routing out the bad elements from the various forests in the region would not take more than a month if the needed support and orders are given.
According to him, the Nigeria Army, Air Force and Navy, and even other sister security agencies like the Police, DSS, NSCDC in collaboration with local vigilantes should be ordered to deploy full scale kinetic approach against the bad elements.
“It is high time, the leaders of Nigeria stop window dressing. These terrorists have been so pampered so much that they are feeling so untouchable. By the time a full scale kinetic approach is deployed against them, and such heavy fire power sustained, within one week, these bandits, terrorists and kidnappers will be forced to surrender to the authorities.
“I continue to imagine why it seems the Nigeria Security is helpless against these bandits, kidnappers and terrorists when they are rated amongst the very best for their bravery in peace missions to other countries,” the troubled security personnel wondered aloud.
