It’s too early to criticize no-fly zone order – Ganduje

Kano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has cautioned politicians not to toy with security-related matters, saying the negative reactions from states can undermine the efforts of the federal government to secure the nation.

He described the declaration of Zamfara a no-fly zone as a well thought-out security strategy by the National Security Council, adding that it will help overcome security challenge not only in Zamfara but other neighbouring states.

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Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara had kicked against the order, expressing doubts that it can end banditry.

But speaking with journalists at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Saturday, Ganduje said politicians should at least wait and see how the strategy works before making comments that are capable of jeopardising the efforts of our security services to keep the country safe.

“The issues of security should be beyond partisan considerations. I do not see anything political in declaring the no-fly zone in Zamfara state. It is purely based on security and intelligence report that there are suspicious criminal activities going on there,” Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, quoted Ganduje to have said.

“The area has abundant natural resources, particularly gold and there is this suspicion the helicopters that venture into the forest and mining areas are being used to transport food and other supplies to the bandits including weaponry.”

He said what the country needs now are concerted efforts by stakeholders to combat the scourge of kidnappings, insurgency and banditry.

The governor said in view of the prevailing security challenge, particularly in the North West and North East, there is the need for a synergy between the states and the federal government to prevent the situation from getting out of control.

He also said a concerted approach by state governments and the co-operation of all security agencies, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders is urgently needed to successfully tackle and overcome security challenges in the country.