Terrorism: Again Matawalle Visits Sokoto, Reads Riot Act

By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja

The Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle,  has arrived in Sokoto for the second time within two months.
This visit, mandated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to bolster efforts in eradicating banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities destabilizing the region.
Matawalle reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to combating insecurity.
“As directed by Mr. President, I am back to Sokoto state to assure the people of this great region of our commitment to achieving all necessary yardsticks in the fight against insecurity.
“We will never leave you alone and I assure you, we will win this war against bandits and those supporting them to unleash terror against our people,” he said.
As part of his mission, the Minister expressed optimism about ongoing military operations in the Northwest.
“I am optimistic that our gallant troops will continue to record successes through Operation “Fansan Yamma” as we intensify our fight against these criminals.”
Dr. Matawalle also called for cooperation from political leaders across all parties, urging them to support President Tinubu’s efforts.
“We must collaborate with all stakeholders in this region to achieve our target. The federal government will continue to boost the morale of our soldiers and security agencies in this fight.”
Furthermore, the Minister warned the bandits and their supporters that the government will not relent in its efforts. “We will never be intimidated or spare these criminals. We will not allow them to breathe or move freely.
No matter how they try to blackmail or propagate mischief against our operations, we will remain unwavering in securing the lives and properties of our people.”

Related posts

18 Terrorists Neutralised as OPHK Hits High-Profile Meeting Point in Borno By ZAKAA LAZARUS The Air Component of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has destroyed a terrorist enclave and neutralised over 18 fighters in Tumbunma Baba, Tumbuns area of Borno State. This was disclosed in a statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, on 11 September, 2026. According to the statement, the operation involved a force package of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and attack platforms working in close coordination with ground troops of Sector 1 OPHK. The operation was based on credible intelligence gathered over the past weeks indicating the presence of high-profile terrorist elements using the islands as convergence points for meetings and logistics. The intelligence was validated through surveillance by Theatre Command and confirmatory ISR from Wednesday, 9 September 2026, which identified several terrorist structures and logistics hubs in the location. The kinetic operation was executed in the early hours of Friday, 11 September 2026. Following positive identification, air platforms engaged the designated targets with precision munitions while ground troops occupied likely escape routes for direct fire engagements. The statement said the air strikes successfully destroyed targeted structures and neutralised over 18 terrorist elements. A post-strike assessment indicated an estimated 85 per cent success in achieving the intended operational objectives. The Army noted that the operation dealt “a significant blow to terrorist activities in the area, disrupting their logistics and degrading their ability to use the enclave as a gathering and support base.” It added that the outcome underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, timely ISR confirmation, and coordinated air-ground synergy. OPHK assured that it will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations “to deny terrorist elements the freedom to operate, regroup or establish logistics and support infrastructure across the Theatre,” working in concert with all security agencies and stakeholders. Members of the public were also encouraged to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security forces to support ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities across the North East Theatre.

September 12, 2026

Scores of Terrorist, Family Surrender to Troops in Borno, as Military Sustains Operations Nationwide

September 12, 2026