Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle Declares Most Bandit Leaders Neutralised as Tinubu Orders Final Sweep of Northwest Bandit Elements Amid Kebbi School Abduction

…says “what remains now are a few scattered elements.”

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has stated that the majority of bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised, adding that “what remains now are a few scattered elements.”

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has personally directed troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to eliminate the remaining bandit elements in the North-West region of Nigeria.

Matawalle made the remarks during a visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters, shortly after observing Juma’at prayers at the Command Mosque, according to a statement issued in Abuja by the minister’s Director of Information, Ibrahim Sule.

“Mr. President specifically asked me to tell you that you have done exceedingly well. Most of the key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort.

What remains now are a few scattered elements, and the Commander-in-Chief has directed that these remnants must be wiped out completely. He assures you of every necessary support, logistics, equipment, welfare, and morale to finish the job,” Matawalle told the troops.

He also conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation for the soldiers’ patriotism, courage, and “remarkable successes in decimating bandit formations across the Northwest.”

The visit comes amid renewed security concerns in the region. SaharaReporters previously reported that the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the abduction of no fewer than 25 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area early Monday morning.

The attack, carried out by heavily armed bandits around 4am, left one staff member dead and another injured, according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi. During the incident, assailants reportedly stormed the school and engaged police officers on duty in a fierce gun battle.

During the visit, Matawalle was received by the Theatre Commander, Major-General Warrah Bello Idris, who briefed him on recent operational achievements, including the neutralisation of high-value targets and the recovery of communities previously under bandit control.

The minister commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism, describing their sacrifices as “the bedrock of the gradual return of peace to Zamfara and neighbouring states.” Idris welcomed the visit, calling it “a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s personal interest in the welfare and operational success of troops in the Northwest.”

Addressing hundreds of officers and soldiers on the parade ground, Matawalle urged them to sustain vigilance and discipline, insisting that total victory over banditry was within sight.

“Your sacrifices will never be in vain. The President is proud of you, the nation is proud of you, and very soon, the people of this region will sleep with their two eyes closed,” he declared.