Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara on Wednesday urged the Nigerian military to take the battle against bandits to their enclaves, to end the lingering insurgency in the state, while acknowledging that troops are already stretched.

Mr Matawalle made the call in Gusau while receiving a visiting team of members of the Army War College of Nigeria on a study tour to the military task force codenamed ‘Operation Hadarin Daji’.

The governor explained that adopting a proactive measure would clear the bandits and restore law and order in Zamfara.

He, however, acknowledged that the military was overstretched and in need of more modern equipment.

“We understand that the military is overstretched due to the multiple security challenges facing the country as a result of which all the men in the service are currently engaged,” noted the governor.

Mr Matawalle advised President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to consider re-engaging some of the nation’s retired military officers to help fight bandits.

The Zamfara governor lauded Mr Buhari regime’s efforts to acquire more state-of-the-art equipment to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

Mr Matawalle also mentioned that he recognised the effort of the military in fighting bandits in Zamfara over the years.

He promised to support the military’s operations to restore peace to Zamfara.

Leader of the team Maj.-Gen. Uwem Bassey commended Mr Matawalle for supporting the troops on the ground and reiterated the military’s commitment to ending banditry.

(NAN)