Soldiers need weapons to fight Bandits – Matawalle tells Buhari

The Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle says soldiers do not have the necessary equipment needed to fight banditry in Nigeria.

“Another problem we have noticed is that despite the remarkable zeal of our troops, they lack modern equipment with which to prosecute modern warfare,” Matawalle complained on Wednesday.

“Prosecution of modern warfare depends largely on modern war equipment and gadgets. It is very vital for these modern war instruments to be provided to our troops if we are to win this fight against banditry in Zamfara and the North-West,” he added.

Matawalle disclosed that bandits have killed over 200 people in Zamfara state and asked the federal government to give the state special attention.

“I would like to add that any strategy to be drawn for fighting banditry and all forms of insurgency should focus greater attention on Zamfara. Our forests have become fortresses for bandits, from where they plan and launch attacks to other parts of the North-Nest,” he lamented.

President Buhari asked the citizens to exercise patience that the government is working towards their safety.

The delegation to Zamfara was led by Bashir Magashi, the Minister of Defense.

Other members of the delegation included the minister of humanitarian affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, Mr Buhari’s media aide Garba Shehu, minister of police affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi; the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba.