The Federal Government has deployed additional troops to Zamfara State to strengthen ongoing operations against banditry and armed criminal groups, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced on Friday.
Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Gusau, the state capital, Matawalle said that security operatives have been given fresh operational instructions to respond swiftly and decisively to threats across the state. The minister stressed that the deployment is part of broader measures aimed at reinforcing military operations in forests, mountains, and other known bandit hideouts.
“Security remains a top priority. Our troops have been directed to take decisive action against armed groups terrorising our communities. Additional personnel have been deployed to intensify ongoing operations and protect lives and property,” Matawalle said.
He lamented the limited success of previous collaborations between the Federal Government and the Zamfara State government on security matters. According to the minister, attempts to coordinate efforts to combat banditry had not yielded the expected results, alleging that earlier initiatives were ignored.
The announcement comes as Zamfara continues to grapple with insecurity, particularly from armed bandits who operate in remote forests and rural areas. The state has been a hotspot for kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on villages, prompting military and police operations aimed at restoring peace. Security analysts say the deployment of more troops is expected to strengthen patrols, improve intelligence gathering, and increase response time to attacks on communities.
Apart from security matters, Matawalle addressed concerns about infrastructure projects in the state, clarifying that the Funtua–Gusau–Talata Mafara–Sokoto road currently under construction is a Federal Government project. He warned against attempts to take political credit for federal initiatives and called on residents to stay informed about government projects in their localities.
The minister also highlighted the importance of transparency in the utilisation of federal allocations to local government areas, urging communities to scrutinise how funds are spent. “Residents must ensure that funds allocated to their local councils are used appropriately and for the benefit of the people,” Matawalle said.
The APC stakeholders’ meeting in Gusau brought together party leaders, supporters, and community representatives. Officials said that security arrangements were tight to prevent any disruption during the event. The meeting provided a platform for the party to discuss strategies for strengthening political structures, promoting party cohesion, and ensuring that government projects and resources are used responsibly.
Zamfara State has long been affected by armed banditry, with communities in rural areas frequently facing raids that result in deaths, kidnappings, and destruction of property. The Federal Government, in collaboration with security agencies, has carried out multiple military operations targeting bandits’ hideouts in forests and difficult terrain.
Recent weeks have seen an increase in these operations, but insecurity remains a significant challenge, prompting the decision to deploy additional troops. Experts say that while military action is necessary, long-term solutions require community engagement, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts between federal and state authorities.
Matawalle’s remarks underscore the federal government’s determination to tackle banditry and protect vulnerable communities. “The lives and property of our citizens are sacred. Our security forces are working tirelessly to restore peace in Zamfara, and the deployment of additional personnel will further strengthen these efforts,” he stated.
As the Federal Government steps up military operations, residents and political stakeholders are urged to cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that can help curb criminal activities. Analysts believe that success in the fight against banditry in Zamfara will require not only military might but also improved governance, accountability, and community vigilance.
The deployment of more troops signals a renewed commitment by the federal authorities to bring stability to Zamfara and other affected states, ensuring that people can live, work, and move freely without fear of attacks by armed groups.
