Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his call for more military effort to restore law and order and allow communities to return to their farms.

Mr Lawal made the call during a courtesy visit by the defence chief, Olufemi Oluyede, at the Government House, Gusau, Zamfara, on Monday.

He said that security remained the foundation for meaningful development, noting that the largely agrarian population of Zamfara only needed a safe environment to farm and sustain their livelihoods.

“It’s pertinent call for intensified military support and stronger collaboration to address the insecurity that has continued to bedevil the people of the state and across the North-West region for several years,” the governor stated.

Mr Lawal described the defence chief’s visit as timely and a clear demonstration of the Armed Forces’ commitment to addressing the security challenges confronting Zamfara and the North-West region.

He noted that the presence of the military high command would serve as a strong deterrent to criminal elements operating within and around the state.

Mr Lawal noted that improving security at the community level remained critical, insisting that restoring safety in Zamfara would significantly reduce insecurity across the region.

The governor recounted a recent encounter with residents of the Wanzaamai community who blocked his convoy to express their concerns over persistent attacks by bandits following the withdrawal of security personnel from their area.

According to him, the emotional appeal from women and children highlighted the urgent need for a renewed military presence and protection in the state’s vulnerable communities.

He said that the criminal elements were not stronger than Nigeria’s security forces, but emphasised the need for strategic coordination, adequate logistics, and sustained operational support to defeat them.

Mr Lawal, however, acknowledged the challenges faced by security personnel, pledging continued support from the state government to complement the federal government’s effort.

He appealed to the defence chief to provide additional assistance to field commanders, including the theatre and brigade commanders, to enhance their effectiveness in the ongoing operations.

(NAN)