Banditry: Gov Masari Praises Military For Returning Katsina To Normalcy

The Katsina State government, on Friday disclosed that normalcy had returned to communities affected by banditry following sustained onslaught by the military and other security forces.

Governor Aminu Bello Masari, stated this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Ibrahim Katsina.

He expressed expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army and other security forces for the feat, leading to the restoration of normalcy in the state.

Recall that hundreds of people have lost their lives as a result of banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery activities in the state.  

The Nigerian military launched “Operation Accord,” to dislodge the criminals operating in the state and other states in the North West.

Since then, however, the army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have launched multiple land and air offensives, killing hundreds of bandits, leaving many others injured. 

According to Massri, the “Katsina State Government is happy to note that the general security situation in the state is gradually returning to normalcy. 

“The current security operation by the combined efforts of the military and other security forces in achieving the desired result of dislodging the bandits from their hideouts and giving hope to the people to go back to their normal lives”. 

The governor further stated that with the new lease of life, farmers have now gone back to their farms while others go about their normal duties without fear. 

While describing the efforts of the military as satisfactory, the state number one citizen urged the military to sustain the momentum to flush out the remnants of bandits. 

“In this regard, we wish to acknowledge with satisfaction the efforts of the military and other security forces in the restoration of gradual peace and security in the affected areas. We hope that the tempo would be sustained so than expected banditry will be a thing of the past in the state,” Katsina said. 

“As you can observe, in spite of the pockets of challenges to the security operations, most of the affected communities have gradually gone back to their farms and gone about their normal duties.”

He, however appealed to citizens to avoid the temptation of joining the criminals but rather extend support to the troops to complete the good work they have started. 

“We are therefore calling on members of the public to shun all forms of inducement to go into crime, as it does not pay,” Katsina said.

“Rather they should team up with the government and security forces towards sustainable peace and security.”