Matawalle and the politicisation of banditry

The discourse on the current state of insecurity in Nigeria will not be complete if Zamfara is not featured at the heart of that conversation. It is, after all, one of the epicenters of the bandit crises that Nigeria is inundated with today.

Over the last year, I have had cause to write a couple of articles on the situation in the state as it connects to the insecurity in the country. These articles have generated a lot of reactions, including from an avid reader of this column, Usman Abdullahi.  Mr Abdullahi insists that there is more to the issue than is presented, and citing the right of reply, submitted this piece.

In the spirit of fairness, I have decided to run Mr Abdullahi’s submission in the hope that it will balance the narrative and also hopefully present a way forward. Enjoy:

“The ongoing bandit crisis in Zamfara State has reached a critical point that demands immediate action from all stakeholders. Unfortunately, the political landscape has been marred by incessant bickering and blame games that are inimical to the survival of the state and its people.

“The politicisation of the recent visit of the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, to the command HQ of Operation Hadarin Daji in Sokoto, is a clear example of this. While Matawalle’s visit was to assess the operational readiness of the troops and to motivate them in their campaign against banditry, it has been made into a political issue.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has been issuing daily press statements targeting Hon. Matawalle, is needlessly causing a distraction that doesn’t serve the interest of Zamfara. The PDP’s relentless calls for Minister Matawalle’s resignation on baseless allegations are unfounded and counterproductive.

“At a time when Zamfara and the entire North West region are grappling with severe security challenges, politicising the crisis only serves to distract from the real issues at hand. The focus should be on finding lasting solutions to the banditry and kidnappings that have plagued the region, rather than engaging in political mudslinging.

“While Governor Dauda Lawal and the PDP are well within their rights to engage in political activities, this is not the time for politicking and name-calling. The security situation in the North, particularly in Zamfara, has seen the state become a hotbed for criminals, and the priority should be governance and security. Scoring cheap political points should be the least concern of the people of Zamfara and those responsible for governing them.

“It is, therefore, necessary to highlight the recent successes of the Ministry of Defence in tackling these challenges. Despite the political noise, the ministry, under the leadership of Minister Matawalle, has made significant strides in combating banditry in Zamfara. One of the most notable achievements was the recent elimination of the notorious bandit kingpin, Halilu Sububu, and many of his lieutenants.

”This operation, coordinated alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, from the operational command in Sokoto, is a testament to the effectiveness of the current strategy.

The success of this operation is a clear indication that the Ministry of Defence is doing something right. At this crucial stage, when the hunt for other bandit kingpins, like Bello Turji, is cranking up a gear, it is vital for all political parties, including the PDP, to support these efforts rather than undermine them. The fight against banditry is not a partisan issue; it is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.

After all, bandits do not discriminate based on political affiliations. Their victims are not targeted because they support the PDP or the All Progressives Congress (APC); they are targeted because they are vulnerable. This underscores the need for a united front in the fight to rid the country of this menace, especially in Zamfara, which has suffered the brunt of this scourge.

Matawalle’s commitment to the task has seen the minister regularly visit the Sokoto base of Operation Hadarin Daji, from where the mission to eliminate Sububu was coordinated. Matawalle’s second visit to the command was designed to sustain the anti-banditry strategy. During his visit, he toured various military formations to boost the morale of the troops and ensure that they had the necessary equipment, including aircraft, to strengthen their operations. Matawalle’s efforts have seen him earn the commendations of CSOs and well-meaning Nigerians.

“But it is not just about the optics. Such proactive measures are essential in maintaining the momentum against the bandits and ensuring that the gains made are not lost. It is, therefore, imperative for all vested parties in Zamfara to focus the fight on the real enemies of the people.

“Already, the human cost of banditry in Zamfara is staggering. Hundreds of people have been killed, and thousands have been displaced from their homes. The bandits operate with impunity: abducting villagers, demanding ransom, and imposing “taxes” on communities.

“The recent abduction of over 100 people in Zamfara by armed men on motorcycles is a stark reminder of the dire situation. These criminals have created a climate of fear and insecurity that has disrupted the lives of countless families. All hands must be on deck to stop them.

“The impact of banditry extends beyond the immediate victims. It affects the entire community, disrupting economic activities, education, and healthcare. Farmers are unable to tend to their fields, children are unable to attend school, and healthcare services are severely hampered. The social and economic fabric of Zamfara is being torn apart by these criminal activities.

“The time for political games is over. The people of Zamfara need their leaders to rise above partisan politics and work together to address the security challenges facing the state. Instead of bickering and finger-pointing, the stakeholders should focus on constructive engagement and collaboration.

“I would daresay that Matawalle’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Minister of State for Defence is a strategic move to have someone with local knowledge and the requisite experience to help come up with a strategy derived from in-depth knowledge that will bring an immediate end to the insecurity and help rebuild communities in the region, and prevent the recurrence of the menace.

“With his guidance, the Ministry of Defence has demonstrated its commitment to tackling the bandit crisis, through increased troop deployment in the region and with proper motivation of the troops, and it is imperative that these efforts are supported and sustained. While the recent successes in eliminating key bandit leaders are encouraging, there is still much work to be done. The government must continue to provide the necessary resources and support to the security forces to ensure that they can effectively carry out their duties.

The bandit crisis in Zamfara is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. While Matawalle’s role in the recent successes recorded is commendable, I must emphasise that to whom much is given, much is expected. The minister still has a lot to prove and must therefore redouble efforts to ensure the elimination of the notorious Bello Turji and other bandit kingpins in Zamfara and restore peace to the North West region and Nigeria as a whole, something he could not do as governor because he had no direct control over the national security apparatus.

“To achieve this, the political bickering and blame games that serve only to distract from the real issues and hinder progress must be shelved. It is time for all political parties to put aside their differences and work together to restore peace and security in Zamfara. The people of Zamfara deserve nothing less.”